TUC Education Update
Welcome to the November edition of TUC Education Update, which is mailed three times a year to union education officers, TUC course co-ordinators and tutors, and everyone with an interest in union education and training, with news and views from TUC Education.
Over 7,500 people have subscribed to the Update, receiving up to date news as soon as it is published.
NEW eNOTES
Just in time for the festive break, TUC Education have produced two new eNotes for union reps. The first eNote looks at the complex issue of vulnerable employment; why a worker may be vulnerable; the negative impact it can have on their lives and how union reps can support colleagues that may be in a precarious employment situation.
Our second eNote looks at Bargaining for Skills and why pursuing learning and skills is such an important part of a reps’ role. The eNote explains; how training and development can improve conditions, pay and equality for workers; help engage members and get their backing and describe the benefits of investing in training and skills to employers.
Other eNotes available include:
- Equality Law
- AdditionalPaternity Leave
- The Sick Note
- European Works Councils
eNotes coming soon are:
- Universal Credit
- Facility Time
- Equal Pay
- Supporting Learners
- Green workplaces
- Building a Stronger Workplace Union
Another great
Women Officer’s Summer School
TUC Education’s 8th Women Officer’s ‘Summer’
school to place in London in mid October with 14 new women officers from a
variety of unions. Usually, the course takes place in the summer but for 2012
only it was held in October, due to the Olympics.
The week long course is designed to develop
the next generation of women trade union leaders and women from Unison, GMB,
Prospect, SCP, MU, CWU, NUT, UCU and the STUC participated.
The TUC Educational Trust was able to offer 8
participants bursaries from the Mary Macarthur Trust, a fund set up in the name
of the early twentieth century trade union leader.
The course has a particular focus on organising and leadership as well as updating women on the latest national policy developments from TUC senior officers. A highlight was a contribution from Mary Boustead, ATL general secretary and chair of the Unionlearn board, sharing her experiences as a senior women trade union leader.
Tea was taken at Westminster as guests of Yvette Cooper, Shadow Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities and 22 women representatives from both Houses of Parliament joined participants for discussions on a range of topics. These included Caroline Flint and Rachael Reeves. There were also very informative sessions on the economy, employment and equality law, organising and pensions.
Feedback from participants included:
'realised I am capable of more than I thought’
'increased my confidence to reach beyond my
current environment’
'I feel inspired’
Mary Macarthur Holiday Trust - help for women in need of a break
The Mary Macarthur Holiday Trust was founded in 1922 to award grants towards a holiday break for women who fit the criteria, whether in employment or not. Further information, details of criteria and how to apply is available at www.mmht.org.uk
If you feel you would benefit, or know of a woman who would benefit from a Mary Macarthur Holiday then please contact Cheryl Andrews on 02920 359091 or email [email protected] 
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