Congress backed the motion, which calls on the TUC to campaign for:
A fully funded, modern Union Learning Fund fit for 2026 and beyond.
A comprehensive review and renewal of the trade union studies element of adult education
Sustainable public investment in trade union education as an essential part of developing skills, strengthening democracy at work and building a fairer economy.
Addressing delegates in the Brighton Centre, Jane Jones - Usdaw President said: “Trade Unions have always played a key role in educating members, improving their confidence and allowing them to progress in all areas of their lives. I am proud that my union still runs an active lifelong learning programme in Wales, helping members in my store to gain essential skills in areas such as English, Maths and ICT, to build their careers through courses on CV writing and interview skills,
“As well as supporting individuals develop their own interests with access to things such as language courses and arts programmes, our lifelong learning programme targets educational support to workers with low level skills and those from typically disadvantaged groups, helping to deliver equality in the workplace and improve the life chances of those who engage.
“As a result, lifelong learning benefits not just the individuals, but their employers too. In fact, when the Tory Government made the shameful decision to scrap the fund for England in 2021, many of the employers that Usdaw works with publicly lobbied the Government to change their decision. A shameful decision that was made against the interests of working people, against the interests of the economy and against the interests of employers.
“It is clear that a reversal of this shameful decision is now long overdue. This is why Usdaw fully supports calls not just to reintroduce the lifelong learning fund in England, but to also undertake a comprehensive review and renewal of the trade union studies element of adult education. Through providing education to workers, we can win for workers.
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest with around 370,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also represents many workers in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk
For Usdaw press releases visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Bluesky @usdawunion.bsky.social and Twitter/X @UsdawUnion