Basic Skills Facts for Trade Unions

What are Key Skills/Basic Skills?

  • Basic Skills are the foundation upon which we build our knowledge.

Why are Basic Skills Important?

  • Because of changing technology and the loss of jobs in many areas, increased emphasis is now placed on skills that are transferable between jobs.
     
  • Basic Skills can increase employability of members.
What Is Employability?
 
The CBI defines employability as "the possession by an individual of the qualities and competences required to meet the changing needs of employers and customers and thereby help to realise his or her aspirations and potential in work."

In simple terms this means "getting or keeping employment"

Why are Basic Skills important to Trade Unions?

  • Research on improving literacy and numeracy in the UK highlights the role which trade unions play "in raising standards of basic skills of adults."
     
  • Trade Unions need to help their members gain basic skills so that they are able to progress at work.
     
  • There is clearly potential for basic skills learning to take place in familiar and friendly surroundings for members.
The Moser Report has pointed out a key role of trade unions in the area of basic skills needs. Because of the unique position of confidence and trust that the union and the representatives have in the workplace, they have the powerful potential to reach learners with basic skills needs who do not open up to employers or others. The TUC is working towards developing the role of the Trade Union Learning Representative so that they are in a position to identify and mentor learners with basic skills needs.

Important points to remember when dealing with basic skills issues

AWARENESS raising of basic skills in the workplace is often the biggest task to undertake. Union representatives can help by encouraging members to undertake basic skills

CONFIDENTIALITY is needed as many members may have fears about their level of basic skills being revealed to their colleagues or their employer for fear of losing their job or identifying a weakness.

SENSITIVITY is needed as few people want to admit they have difficulty with literacy and numeracy. There can be real stigma attached to these terms.

IDENTIFYING the needs of an individual is probably the most important role that the trade union rep can play in addressing basic skills needs. Seek advice and guidance from someone who has had training in basic skills to work with employees to assess needs (This will almost always be the local college).

UNION run courses in basic skills may feel more safe and relevant to members as they aim to benefit union members not just employers.

UNION learning reps have a role in supporting and advising learners and can work with employers on the development of basic skills provision.

"Trade Unions cannot guarantee members employment but we can help members gain the skills they need to compete for jobs"

The TUC have a number of initiatives supporting basic skills. CD Roms and On-line materials have been developed to support union learning reps. These materials will give reps the information needed to assist members with basic skills needs.

There are currently over 50 Union Learning Fund projects incorporating basic skills which aim to raise awareness of the issues and to identify and help people with basic skills problems. The TUC also has a Union Learning Fund project of its own aimed at advancing the role of the union in promoting and raising awareness of basic skills in the workplace.

Back to the Basic Skills Project home.