Introduction (482 words)

Trade unions are playing an increasingly important role in lifelong learning and are a central part of the government's strategy for improving workers' basic ...

1. Government policy on learning and skills (1759 words)

The government published its national skills strategy white paper, 21st Century skills - Realising our potential: individuals, employers, nation, in July 2003. It identified ...

2. Union learning representatives (3867 words)

The union learning rep (ULR) is a new type of union activist. They are trained to find out members' learning needs and aspirations, and ...

3. Negotiating a learning agreement (1313 words)

The TUC advises that negotiating a learning agreement with the employer is as important as negotiating agreements on pay and conditions. As chapter 2 ...

4. Improving basic skills (1456 words)

A 1999 government report estimated that seven million people had poor literacy and numeracy skills, including around half a million or more who struggle ...

5. Tackling skills shortages (1775 words)

The government is developing a range of measures to address skills gaps among the UK workforce by providing training covering basic and technical skills ...

6. The framework of learning and skills provision (1752 words)

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16-year-olds in England. It was established in ...

Further information (289 words)

Department for Education and Skills, Caxton House, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9FN; tel: 0870 000 2288. National skills strategy: www.dfes.gov.uk/skillsstrategy. ...