Fujitsu focuses on lifelong learning

A new learning agreement at Fujitsu Services in Manchester is aiming to involve all the IT company’s staff in lifelong learning.

The agreement, reached with the Amicus section of general union Unite and the TUC’s education organisation unionlearn, covers all full- and part-time staff at the site. As well as ensuring that access to learning opportunities are always available, it will promote a culture of workplace learning and development.

Fujitsu has given a firm commitment to work with unionlearn and Unite to ensure the agreement’s success. A Learning Partnership Committee, comprising union and management representatives, will introduce and monitor learning initiatives. Workplace learning facilities will be reviewed, and the possibility of setting up a workplace learning centre considered.

The committee will also look into employees’ learning needs, identifying those who will benefit most from the learning initiatives available. Employees will have access to computers, online training courses and educational material, with personal development plans drawn up to identify their learning aims.

“It is really pleasing to see how the employer and the union are working together and using learning to help cement better industrial relations,– said unionlearn regional co-ordinator Tony Saunders at the agreement’s signing ceremony.

Advice on negotiating learning agreements and examples of model agreements are available at www.unionlearn.org.uk/agreements