UNISON, the UK’s largest union, is calling for new legislation to enshrine rights to lifelong learning for every adult. The legislation would give a basic universal entitlement and protected time for learning for every employee. The proposals are contained in a new report commissioned by UNISON *Learning for Life. Learning for Everyone, in response to the Government’s skills strategy.
The report will be published today (19 May at 6pm) at a reception at the Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors, Great George Street, London SW1. Speakers include John Healey MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury and Ivan Lewis MP, Minister for Adult Skills, DfES.
UNISON proposes a Workforce Investment Act to enshrine new rights and responsibilities for all stakeholders. And the union wants to collaborate in this arena through a progressive social partnership that is employment-led, where employers, unions and employees share responsibility to take things forward. This approach would be organised through a National Workforce Investment Board.
UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis said:
“This report is a constructive contribution to Government plans to develop a new strategy on workforce learning and skills. We want to see legislation which gives rights to learning so often denied to low paid front line staff.”
The report discusses the importance of learning for social justice and inclusion as well as highlighting a number of UNISON projects that show the ideas and policies in the report are already working in practice on the ground.
UNISON acknowledges the efforts the Government has already made, particularly through rights for learning reps and advisers and the Union Learning Fund. UNISON has more than 350 learning partnerships and has trained more than 1,000 reps.
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