Learning attracts new women union reps

A new TUC survey of trade union learning reps has found that over 25 per cent had never had a union role before, while nearly two-thirds of new reps are women.

More than six per cent of learning reps are from an ethnic minority, compared to two per cent in a similar survey conducted in 2000.

The survey of reps, carried out by York Consulting for the TUC, also reports considerably increased activity over the previous survey, which was conducted before union learning reps received the legal status that they now enjoy.

More than half (55 per cent) say they have helped colleagues with little or no experience of learning; nearly three in four (71 per cent) have encouraged colleagues to continue learning; one in three (33 per cent) have helped colleagues improve basic skills (up from 15 per cent in the previous survey); and one in four (26 per cent) say they have increased interest in union membership.

The most common learning need identified in workplaces was help with basic IT skills (84 per cent), closely followed by basic skills and vocational qualifications. One in five reported a need for English as a second language training.

Half the reps say they have a formal learning agreement with their employer - half of these as part of a wider partnership agreement.

Usdaw started its Lifelong Learning campaign five years ago. Since then, over 5,000 members have returned to some form of learning. There are now over 400 trained Usdaw learning reps in workplaces across the UK and Usdaw has assisted in setting up over 25 Workplace Learning Centres.

Usdaw General Secretary Sir Bill Connor said: "Usdaw is committed to ensuring our members get the best opportunities to enhance their skills. We now have a hard-working, determined group of over 400 learning reps and they are making a huge difference to the lives of our members.

"The union is working in partnership with many employers and colleges to promote access to learning all over the country."

For more details on Lifelong Learning.

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