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Key Training Issues

UCATT Union Learning Representatives

In recent years, the development of a new role for trade unions in promoting learning and training in the workplace and community has had a significant impact on increasing involvement, interest and enthusiasm for learning and skills among employees and employers.

In particular, the role of the Union Learning Representative (ULR) has been key in raising awareness about training and skills with workers at all levels of industry; amongst those with numeracy and literacy needs, to those many employees who may benefit from simply refreshing or updating their existing skills.

The ULR is a new category of union activist who can be located in your UCATT Branch or at the workplace/site. Once elected, or appointed, these union representatives are trained in offering members information, advice and guidance on learning needs, issues and opportunities. Throughout industry, ULRs have demonstrated that they can compliment and add value to employers’ efforts to engage workers in learning and training activity.

As ULRs are trusted by their members, they can often encourage workers who would be embarrassed about admitting their learning needs to their employer, to participate in training. Additionally, they can help employers win the trust of the workforce and ensure that all workers have equal access to learning and training opportunities both inside and outside the workplace.

The work of the ULR mostly involves face-to-face meetings and other direct contact with their fellow workers. They also work through UCATT with employers and training providers (such as the TUC or a local college) to identify learning needs and training opportunities available.

Time Off For Trade Union Duties - What The Law Says About Union Learning Representitives:

Employees who are members of an independent trade union recognised by the employer can take reasonable time off to undertake the duties of a union learning representative, provided that the union has given notice in writing that the employee is a learning representative of the trade union and the training condition is met. The functions for which time off as a union learning representative is allowed are:

•  Analysing learning or training needs
•  Providing information and advice about learning or training matters
•  Arranging learning or training
•  Promoting the value of learning or training
•  Consulting the employer about carrying on any such activities
•  Preparation to carry out any of the above
•  Undergoing relevant training

To qualify for paid time off the member must be sufficiently trained to carry out duties as a learning representative:

• Either at the time when their trade union gives notice to their employer in writing that they are a learning representative of the trade union
• Or within six months of that date.

Interested in becoming a UCATT Learning Representative?

If so, for further information contact your workplace/site Convenor, Shop Steward, Branch Secretary or Full-time Official. Or Contact:

Jeff Hopewell, National Education & Training Co-ordinator, at our General Office

or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it