Added value


Workers receiving learning and skills opportunities through their trade unions also benefits the economy as a whole. For every £1 spent on union supported learning and training, the economy gets £9.15 back, according to a new study published by the TUC in February 2016.


The report, based on findings from the University of Exeter, shows that £5.75 of the £9.15 economic return comes from the boost union-led training gives to workers’ wages and employment prospects over their lifetimes.


The study also reveals that for every £1 spent on union-led training and learning, employers see a return of £3.40 thanks to staff becoming more skilled and productive. 


The government provided £14 million of funding between 2012 and 2015 for the Union Learning Fund (see page 16), which was used to support 350,000 workers into training and education. Researchers estimate that the total benefit to the economy triggered by this investment will amount to more than £900 million.


The report also surveyed over 2,500 learners who took part in the training. It found:


• over half (56%) had gained a qualification as a result of their engagement in union-led learning and training;


• nearly three-quarters (74%) felt that union-led learning and training had given them new skills that they might use in their current job; and


• two-thirds (60%) felt they had gained new skills they could use to get a new job or pursue a different type of career.


As well as helping workers to get better terms and conditions, each year more than 230,000 people get training and learning opportunities through their union. Union learning is mainstream, says the TUC, “with 26 unions taking part and with union learning centres in workplaces as diverse as Reading FC (Professional Footballers’ Association), Boots in Nottingham (the retail union Usdaw) and HMP Dartmoor (Prison Officers’ Association)”.


TUC general secretary Frances O’ Grady said: “This study highlights the huge benefits union learning brings to workplaces and the UK economy — and yet many people don’t know that day-in day-out union reps are quietly busy getting workers into learning.” She added that, as well as boosting productivity, “union-led training gives people the skills and confidence needed to transform their working lives and progress in their careers”.