Learning Pilot Goes National!
Following on from a successful Learning pilot in Stockport,
Unite have recently signed a national learning agreement with
Co-operative Financial Services, part of the Co-operative Group –
the UK’s largest consumer co-operative.
CFS has agreed to work with Unite to encourage employees to
participate in lifelong learning, provide access to workplace
learning centres and increase the network of Unite Union Learning
Reps.
The agreement incorporates the Skills Pledge, the government
backed scheme where employers commit to train their workforce to at
least Level 2 – the equivalent of five good GCSEs, grades A–C.
The ULRs within CFS have organised courses in Skills for
Life, IT, Customer Services and with the Open University and
currently have plans in place, to roll out accountancy courses, to
the Unite membership within CFS.
Dave Kennedy, Unite regional officer said:
“We are delighted to sign this agreement with CFS, building on
the success of our learning reps at the Stockport Pyramid branch.
Unions have a huge role to play in helping our members improve
their skills for the workplace and the wider world. The focus CFS
places on social responsibility and the commitment of our ULRs will
be a powerful combination in helping our members.”
The national agreement forms part of Unite’s 2009, Union
Learning funded Finance Sector Project that got underway in April
this year. CFS is one of the major financial institutions that is
playing a pivotal role. A Union Learning Rep has been seconded full
time for a year, as a dedicated Learning Organiser to ensure that a
National Strategy for Lifelong Learning is rolled out within
CFS.
