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Union Learning Fund
18 November 2020
Lead MP
Lilian Greenwood
Nottingham South
Lab
Responding Minister
Gillian Keegan
Tags
EconomyEmployment
Word Count: 14256
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Lilian Greenwood raised concerns about union learning fund in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Minister needs to explain why the programme is being scrapped despite its success over two decades. Questions posed include how cutting this vital support will help roll out level 3 qualifications, which organisation will replace Unionlearn in engaging reluctant learners, and what assessment has been done on the impact of removing funding for the ULF on the industrial strategy.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Paul Glover's story highlights the importance of union learning and union learning reps in helping workers overcome literacy challenges. The speaker emphasises that the Union Learning Fund (ULF) has been instrumental in providing transformational learning opportunities to over 200,000 working people annually. It supports less confident learners, especially those with few or no qualifications. Independent reviews show that unions excel at supporting reluctant adult learners and building partnerships with employers. The decision to withdraw funding from the ULF is described as incomprehensible, counterproductive, and a mistake.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
She highlighted the importance of lifelong learning and digital skills in the face of economic uncertainty, noting that union learning reps have played a crucial role during the pandemic by supporting staff with online working. She criticised the Government's decision to cut the Union Learning Fund as short-sighted and at odds with their levelling up agenda.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
The decision to scrap the Union Learning Fund is staggering given its success in providing workplace learning for those who need it most, removing barriers to qualifications and skills. The fund benefits 200,000 workers annually and is valued by employers across industries. It should be reviewed and maintained instead of scrapped.
Kate Osborne
Lab
Jarrow and Gateshead East
Kate Osborne highlighted the importance of the Union Learning Fund during a time when workers are facing job losses due to the pandemic. She noted that since its inception over 20 years ago, the fund has enabled millions of workers to improve their skills, with statistics showing significant positive outcomes for learners and employers alike.
Kenny MacAskill
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Mr MacAskill highlighted the importance of lifelong learning in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing that people need opportunities for retraining to adapt to evolving job markets. He noted the crucial role of workplace-based learning and the historical context of initiatives like the Workers' Educational Association, which provided workers with educational opportunities. Mr MacAskill questioned whether the decision to end the fund is prejudiced against trade unions or simply perverse given the current economic climate.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Kim Johnson questioned why the Government is proposing to scrap a successful scheme like the Union Learning Fund when they have declared reskilling workers as central to their economic recovery plans. She emphasized the fund's success in providing training and qualifications to approximately 200,000 workers annually since its launch.
Mick Whitley
Lab
Cannock Chase
The Union Learning Fund supports 250,000 workers and contributes £5.4 million to the economy through improved productivity, with an estimated return of £3.57 for every pound spent. The fund is crucial for retraining during the pandemic and should not be ended as it aids in building back better post-COVID-19.
Mike Amesbury
Lab
Weaver Vale
I speak as a former Unison convenor and MP, highlighting the Union Learning Fund's role in promoting lifelong learning for those who have been traditionally failed by mainstream education. It has provided life-changing opportunities for many workers, especially during times of redundancy, such as with Thomas Cook employees. The fund creates £12.87 for every pound invested.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
The Union Learning Fund returns £1.4 billion to the economy for an investment of £12 million, providing transformative learning opportunities for workers who otherwise would not participate in training programs.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
The Union Learning Fund supports workplace learning, providing lifelong learning courses for workers. The fund has a positive return on investment with £1 spent generating £7.60 in benefits for workers, £4.70 for employers, and £3.57 for the government.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Ms Owen highlighted the transformative power of in-work learning and shared a story about Mark Church, whose life was changed through Unionlearn training. She urged the Minister to reconsider scrapping Unionlearn, as it benefits individuals and companies alike by providing necessary skills.
Seema Malhotra
Lab Co-op
Feltham and Heston
Ms Malhotra expressed concerns about the termination of £12 million annual funding for Unionlearn, which supports over 200,000 learners. She questioned the Minister on her assessment of the impact and return on investment of the fund. A learning rep from Unite emphasised that the ULF offers opportunities to workers who may not have had the confidence or time to pursue education elsewhere.
Taiwo Owatemi
Lab
Coventry North West
The Union Learning Fund has helped millions across the UK by encouraging greater uptake of learning within workplaces and upskilling employees, with 12:1 return on investment. In Coventry, it has allowed constituents to learn essential skills and progress in their careers, with statistics showing 80% developing transferable skills and 62% acquiring more effective jobs.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Expressed concern over the lack of Conservative MPs participating in the debate, highlighting that Unionlearn has cross-party support since its inception in 1998. Emphasized that the programme reaches people who missed out on functional literacy and numeracy through statutory education, transforming their lives. Cited evidence showing that for every pound invested in Unionlearn, there is a £12.87 economic return. Stated that the decision will cost the government money due to a £3.60 return for each pound spent. Pointed out the lack of consultation with employers and trade bodies before the decision.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
She agreed with other Members that scrapping the union learning fund is puzzling, especially during a time when employees need to retrain. She praised the fund's power-to-the-people approach and its value for money. She questioned where the £12 million funding was diverted to and asked about any assessment of the impact on levelling up.
Zarah Sultana
Your Party
Coventry South
The Union Learning Fund supports 200,000 workers annually and is a proven success with significant returns for every £1 spent. The fund enriches everyone through better pay, productivity gains, social security savings, and revenue gains. It is needed now more than ever to address unemployment and the climate emergency.
Government Response
Gillian Keegan
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I, too, congratulate the hon. Member for Nottingham South on securing this important debate. The Minister highlighted her background in the north-west and acknowledged the challenges of school dropout rates and economic changes requiring new skills. She noted the need for people to have new skills and qualifications to be resilient and take advantage of opportunities.
The Government are committed to ensuring every adult has the necessary skills, investing £1.34 billion through the adult education budget in 2020-21 alone, including full funding for adults without English and maths at level 2 since 2009. The Union Learning Fund (ULF), supported by the Government with £74 million from 2015 to the current financial year, has helped around 200,000 people annually, mostly in English, maths, and ICT up to level 2.
However, the Minister pointed out limitations of the ULF model, such as information circulation via trade union networks and limited programme diversity. The Government decided not to continue funding it from taxpayers' money but emphasised that others could fund it, including trade unions, employers, and devolved Administrations.
The Minister mentioned Unionlearn's role in signposting learning opportunities and providing support for basic skills acquisition, while noting changes over time, such as the increasing availability of online information and courses. She highlighted the evolving adult entitlement to financial support for English, maths, and digital qualifications since 2009.
Acknowledging a need for solutions at scale, the Minister outlined various initiatives including £32 million extra support from the National Careers Service, a lifetime skills guarantee funding level 3 qualifications for adults lacking them, a £2.5 billion national skills fund over the Parliament's term, and a £500 million skills recovery package to encourage employers.
The Government will ensure everyone can get necessary qualifications and skills irrespective of background or environment, investing more than ever before in training adults.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.