Union Learning Fund 2020-11-23
2020-11-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the government's decision to end the Union Learning Fund in 2021, affecting stakeholders involved in adult education.
What discussions have been held with stakeholders in the education sector regarding the Department's decision to end the union learning fund in 2021?
The Government regularly meet stakeholders from further education, including meeting with TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady on 12 October and again when the Secretary of State met her on 9 November.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a full account of consultations or feedback gathered from all stakeholders before ending funding for Unionlearn.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Westminster Hall debate highlighted a lack of support from Conservative MPs for Unionlearn cuts, questioning the government's commitment to levelling up through education.
No one turned up to speak in favour of this cut during the debate on Unionlearn. Does the Minister realise that no one will believe the Government are serious about levelling up while they are cutting access to level 2 skills for low-paid workers?
We need to focus taxpayers' money on those who need it; only 11% of users are unemployed. From April, we will fully fund the first level 3 qualification for adults without one, and basic provisions signposted by Unionlearn are available across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not acknowledge the lack of support from MPs or address levelling up concerns directly.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Unionlearn programme supports low-paid workers in accessing education, costing £12 million annually with a reported economic return of £1.4 billion.
Since its creation in 1998 by the Labour Government, the Unionlearn fund has enjoyed cross-party support and backing from businesses. It costs £12 million per annum, supports 200,000 individuals annually, and returns £1.4 billion to the economy. Is this an attack on the trade union movement?
I recognise the funding provided by the Government has enabled Unionlearn to direct people towards education opportunities, but with millions lacking basic skills, we need a solution at scale. We have created the £2.5 billion national skills fund and £500 million recovery package for transformation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address if ending Unionlearn is an attack on trade unions but instead focused on broader education initiatives.
Response accuracy