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Thinking of becoming a Union Learning Rep?

What does a learning representative do?
A trained learning representative supports and helps people in their workplace to get back into learning and improve their skills.
This might involve:
• raising awareness of the benefits of learning
• identifying learning needs
• providing advice and guidance on learning to your workmates
• helping to support the learning centre

Why do we need learning representatives?
Everyone needs to continue learning throughout their lives both to remain employable and to fulfil their potential. This is often called "lifelong learning".
Learning representatives can advise, encourage and support their members as they gain the skills they need for the world of work and personal development.

Who can become a learning representative?
Although you don't have to be an existing union rep, you must be a member of the CWU and have the enthusiasm to help spread the learning culture in your workplace.

How can we help you?
If this all sounds rather daunting don’t worry – with our help you will get the training and support you need to become an effective learning representative.

What training is available?
Both the CWU and the TUC run a range of Learning Reps courses at venues to suit you. These courses are fully accredited by the National Open College Network – so you even get a qualification while you train!

How much of my time will it take to be a learning rep?
The amount of time you spend helping your members can differ. It will depend on the number of people you represent and the duties you take on.

As a learning representative am I entitled to time off to carry out my duties or attend training?
Yes, the role of the Union Learning Rep is now covered by legislation and you will get paid time off to carry out the recognised functions of this role.

What can I do next?
To be part of this exciting new initiative, please watch your CWU notice boards for news of the learner rep elections. However, if you want further information please contact your local Branch Secretary, Mark Walsh, on: 0151 709 1243.

To arrange accreditation and training contact: Billy Butterworth on:
0151 242 4138 or mobile: 0791 724 8884, who will be able to arrange training and put you in touch with the other learning reps and support networks to enable you to develop learning opportunities for you and your workmates.

This is to inform all Branches of the legal entitlements for Union Learning Representatives (ULR's).

We are currently seeking a national agreement with both BT and Royal Mail regarding ULR's, but until this is in place, we expect employers to release ULR's according to the statutory entitlements set out in the new legislation (see below for details of this).

Branches are requested to use the pro-forma ULR appointment form to notify employers as to who the Branch ULR's are. Branches are also requested to use the pro-forma letter to request release for training for ULR's. These can be downloaded from the CWU website, or copies can be obtained from the Education and Training Department.
The Rights
With effect of the 27th April 2003, employers must allow members of independent recognised trade unions who are Union Learning Representatives to take time off during working hours for the purpose of:
• Analysing learning or training needs
• Providing information or advice about learning or training matters
• Arranging learning or training
• Promoting the value of learning or training
In relation to "qualifying members" (i.e. employees at the workplace where the CWU is recognised and who the CWU represents) learning reps must be allowed time off to:
• Consult the employer about carrying on such activities for qualifying members
• Prepare for activities within these purposes
• Undergo training relevant to their function as a learning rep, including training to become a learning rep
The ULR is entitled to be paid either as if they had worked for the relevant period, or according to comparative hourly earnings. There is no entitlement to pay for learning activities undertaken at a time when the employee would not ordinarily have been paid, but staff who work part-time will be entitled to pay if full time staff are.

The amount of time off allowed is what is "reasonable in all the circumstances" taking into account the provisions of the ACAS Code of Practice (e.g. size of organisation, safety and security, need to maintain a public service). Employers should consider providing accommodation for members and learning reps to meet to discuss relevant training matters. (See sections 168A & 169, TULR(C) Act 1992 and the ACAS Code of Practice)
Qualification
The right only applies if:
• The CWU has given the employer notice in writing that the employee is a learning rep
• The "training condition" is met in relation to the learning rep
The "training condition" is met if:
• The employee has undergone sufficient training to carry out the activities of a learning rep, and the CWU has notified the employer in writing
• The CWU has in the last six months given notice in writing that the employee will be undergoing training
• The CWU representative has undergone training within the last six months of the CWU giving the employer notice that they would be doing so.
Note: only one notice of future training per employee is allowed.
Remedy
If the employer fails to comply with these requirements, a complaint may be made to an Employment Tribunal within three months of the failure to comply.