Minister impressed by Sefton MBC's skills partnership

Workers and management from Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, attended a unionlearn reception at the TUC conference (Wednesday 16 September) in Liverpool's Convention Centre where they told Pat McFadden MP, Business, Innovation and Skills Minister, how their trade union and management are working together to build the skills base in their workplace.

Picture caption: The Minister learned how the workers are gaining new skills, from left: Amanda McNally, union learning rep; Pat McFaddenMP; Jane Evanson, union learning rep; Glen Williams, Unison; Emma Finnegan, Sefton Work Based Learning Manager. ©2009 Copyright Rod Leon

Emma Finnegan, Sefton MBC's Work Based Learning Manager, said: 'Union learn funding has helped us to create a full time post within our learning and development programme, with the council contributing half the cost. The positive relationship between the council and our unions has been instrumental in getting staff back into learning. And in addition it has helped to improve industrial relations generally.'

Pat McFadden MP said: 'Tonight I've heard how people are being given the opportunity to maximise their learning potential. And that's why I came into politics, to help people make the best of their lives. These great achievements are thanks real commitment from management and unions to help their workforce gain new skills and experience, and from Government support through the Union Learning Fund'.

Tom Wilson , Director of unionlearn (the TUC's learning and skills organisation) said: 'This example of unions and employers working together in the North West should be followed by companies and organisations around the UK. Britain's trade unions pledge themselves to continue working enthusiastically with the Government and employers to upskill our countries' workforce. Through such partnership working we will all contribute ensuring Britain's economy is ready to benefit when the recession ends.'

Notes to Editor

- All unionlearn press releases can be found at www.unionlearn.org.uk

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Mike Power T:07900 914322 E: mpower@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 16 Sep 2009

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