Unionlearn and the TUC are working closely with local authority groups to ensure that union learning continues to have a voice as devolution begins to impact on learning and skills.

Underpinning the approach is the recognition that devolution will not only affect the way skills are funded and delivered in general but specifically the skills of the public sector workforce who will be required to deliver all devolved services.

Following a successful "Devo Manc" conference in Manchester in November, The North West TUC signed a joint working protocol with Greater Manchester interim mayor Tony Lloyd on 18th December 2015. 

The protocol covers the Interim Mayor of Greater Manchester, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership Board and the Greater Manchester public service trade unions.

The protocol recognises that "Staff play a vital role in the delivery of high quality public services" and that "high quality employment in public services plays a vital role in the functioning of the Greater Manchester economy and society". To this end, the skills of the workforce in all sectors and particularly that of those delivering local services will be of paramount importance.

Lynn Collins, North West TUC Regional Secretary, said:

Greater Manchester has lead the way on devolution and we are glad they have recognised the importance of worker voice in this new way of working. We will be encouraging all other city regions to enter into similar arrangements as and when they announce their devolution deals."

Kevan Nelson, Chair of the North West TUC Public Services Committee and Regional Secretary of Unison North West, said:

It is important that the benefits of devolution are felt by the citizens and workers of Greater Manchester. This new protocol recognises that the role of employees is vital in delivering quality public services and that there is a need for high-quality employment in the Greater Manchester economy."

Tony Lloyd, Interim Mayor for Greater Manchester added:

Trade unions represent the voice of those who will make devolution work for the people of Greater Manchester. If we are to truly make devolution work for the citizens of Greater Manchester we need to involve them in local decisions and let them help shape the destiny of our city region. This agreement exemplifies my personal commitment and that of the ten Local Authority leaders to do just that, whether that’s through jobs, developing the skills of our workforce or transforming the delivery of public services."