Literacy Commission Report Demonstrates Need for Workplace Literacies Funding

The Literacy Commission established by the Labour Party in 2008 recently reported that up to 1 million adults in Scotland have difficulty with reading. Trade unions have proven to be highly successful in meeting the demand for workplace learning with the support of the current Scottish and European funding structures. We also have a powerful influence in determining the level of training amongst employers. In a recent study by the STUC, 52% of learners cited the encouragement of a union voice as the motivation for returning to learning. However, there is currently no Government strategy for workplace literacy and the ability to access appropriate everyday skills workplace provision varies greatly across the country.

Futureskills Scotland research discovered that unions have a positive impact in ensuring that employers adopt high skills strategies and therefore, raise the demand for skills. Scottish Union Learning is actively involved in Everyday Skills activity.

The term ‘Everyday Skills’ defines the language, literacy, numeracy and basic IT skills required both in the workplace and at home. Examples include understanding written and verbal job instructions, reading and understanding health and safety information, writing letters and reports, completing time-sheets and rotas, working out a family budget, understanding mortgage interest rates, and helping children with their homework. In addition, Scottish Union Learning can arrange support for learners who may have dyslexia and/or other learning differences and disabilities.

Workers employed in lower skilled employment are less likely to engage in learning outside of the workplace. Low pay, unpredictable and long hours make it more difficult for these workers to access learning. As a result, levels of participation in lifelong learning among lower social groups is only about half that of higher professional groups.

Research indicates that 39% of men and 36% of women (more than 1,500,000 adults) have literacy skills at a level likely to negatively impact employment prospects. 71% of adults (almost 2,900,000) have numeracy skills that have negative impacts on their lives. Both of these issues are affected by social inequality. Funding for workplace literacies support is a long-term investment, but current funding for providers and practitioners is short-term. The temporary basis of funding limits any long-term development of workplace literacies. Short-term funding is not effective for unions, employers, providers or learners.

Anne Douglas, Scottish Union Learning Board Chair, said:

"There is a strong need for a central funding stream that can be accessed throughout the country and the Government has a responsibility to ensure there are consistent funding arrangements in place that are responsive to unique workplaces and the particular needs of every learner. To create a fair and equitable learning society in the future, Scottish Union Learning urges all political parties to commit to provide dedicated funding for workplace literacies."

The Scottish Union Learning Everyday Skills Event will take place on Thursday, 25 February 2010 at the Teacher Building in Glasgow. This annual event enables Union Learning Reps, SULF Project Workers, Trade Union Education Officers and Tutors to explore methods of supporting those with everyday skills needs and raise the profile of everyday skills issues in the workplace. The theme of the event is ‘Improving Everyday Skills in the Current Economic Climate’, and it will focus on employability, literacy, numeracy and ESOL for the workplace. To register, visit www.scottishunionlearning.com.

Jennifer Payne
Marketing Officer
Scottish Union Learning