TUC unveils plans for Union Academy

The TUC has published plans for a Union Academy, to provide working people with learning where and how they want it. The Academy - which will be set up, owned and run by unions - will offer commissioned courses from colleges, universities and other providers.

The TUC says the Academy "will help employers meet skills needs, assist working people get on at work and in their personal life, and spearhead the drive for the nation to overcome chronic problems, such as the five million people with basic skills difficulties ... It will also play a leading role in promoting social mobility and social justice."

Charles Clarke, secretary of state for education, confirmed his support for the Academy at Congress. He said it "has the potential to raise the hopes and ambitions of thousands of workers who have previously been failed by the education and training system."

The Union Academy, a new step forward can be downloaded from www.learningservices.org.uk/extras/publications/academy.pdf