Funding For Trade Union Learning - Support For Workplace Learning And Promoting Fair Work

25th July 2024

Reaffirming the Scottish Government's commitment to advancing Fair Work and tackling inequalities, First Minister John Swinney has announced a continued funding package to support trade unions in developing, organising, and delivering work-related learning in Scotland's workplaces in 2024/25.

The £2.38 million funding is managed by the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) and will be split between the Scottish Union Learning and the Fair Work in Action Funds.

The First Minister confirmed the funding during a meeting with the 2023 and 2024 STUC Union Rep Award Winners, who are being recognised for their work in areas such as learning, organising and equalities.

First Minister, John Swinney said:

"Trade Unions play a vital role across Scotland's economy in the workplace and communities and I am pleased to continue this support.

"This funding helps to put into action the Scottish Government's clear commitment to promote fair work, and to lifelong learning, which in turn support the government's priorities to eradicate child poverty, grow the economy and improve public services.

"The continuation of this funding will ensure that workers across Scotland benefit from opportunities to develop their skills and boost their career prospects, which will help to increase people’s productivity and earnings potential, benefiting themselves and their families and the economy.

"I was thrilled to meet with the STUC’s Award winners who represent the very best of what our trade unions have to offer - they have excelled in the promotion of workplace learning, equalities, health and safety or organising for a stronger collective voice."

STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said:

"The STUC Union Rep award recipients are the lifeblood of our movement. We congratulate them for leading the way in educating, empowering, and organising workers throughout the country. We further thank the First Minister for recognising their achievements and for recommitting his government’s support for workers and Scotland’s wider trade union movement.

“The funding announced today validates the work of our Union Rep Award recipients and is a recommitment to the power of the delivery of workforce development and skills through union and employer co-operation with the support of government. This support is welcome. It should act as a catalyst for others to see the value of investing in the education and empowerment of the next generation of workers and workplace reps throughout Scotland. It also reflects our shared aim of making Fair Work a reality for all. Fair work and a skilled workforce are the building blocks we need to build Scotland’s sustainable economy and boost growth."

Scottish Union Learning - Funding

The Union Learning Programme supports trade union members and co-workers in accessing a wide range of skills and lifelong learning opportunities.

The Fair Work in Action Fund will support the diversification of leadership within the trade union movement, increase the capacity of unions to deliver on the equalities agenda, emphasise the need for a strong and effective worker voice and promote wider Fair Work principles.