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Wales TUC July 11 Net news
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Wales TUC Cymru
Y Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Network of Excellence
The National Eisteddfod in Wrexham opens this weekend July 2011 Thank you contributors! Please circulate widely and feel free to copy & paste for your own newsletters.
In this issue: Quick Read champions wanted 2 Free workshops in August 2 World Book Night - the top 100 3 Cancer in the Workplace course 3 History of English in 10 minutes! 4 Ready for a change? 4 The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists 5 Women in Work 5 Higher Learning at Work 6 Workwise 8 Employment Tribunal Skills Course 9 Digital Futures Workshop 9 Domestic Abuse is your Business 10 Credit Unions 10 Community Researcher posts 10 Apprenticeships Survey 12 Workplace Fatalities 13 Dates for your Diaries 14 Finally, finally, Dyscalculia Petition 14
If you are not on the Net News circulation list and want
to add your details please contact: Bernice Waugh Network of Excellence Y Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Wales TUC Cymru ebost/e-mail: [email protected] Ffon/Tel: 07917 415601 Same details if you need to unsubscribe.
Whilst thinking about events for Learning at Work Day, it was suggested that we do some arts/crafts. I suggested knitting and what was meant to be a joke, turned into an actual event. It evolved from knitting to “Knitting and Crochet for Beginners” with Lynda Noble doing the Crochet and myself, Kathryn Galliers, doing the knitting.
Lynda and I got together to create some handouts with basic abbreviations of stitches. We took samples of different kinds of wool, many different sized knitting needles and crochet hooks. We showed samples and gave an overview of what it was possible to make. Yes, we were nervous, and not expecting many people but it was very successful and we were fully booked on the day.
Everyone felt a sense of achievement as they saw their samples grow. Several members have bought themselves knitting needles, crochet hooks and wool and are clicking away.
What was meant as an event to ‘fill up’ the day turned out to be a very appropriate learning session. You might not realise it, but knitting and crochet involves both maths and reading skills.
We had great feedback from all so we intend to hold some lunchtime sessions. The overall consensus was how relaxing it was. One woman has told us that her partner had commented on how much more relaxed she seemed when knitting.
We say he should have a go himself!!
Are there any men who knit and/or crochet out there? Let me know, email Bernice at [email protected]
Net News
WEA Workplace Learning in partnership with
the Wales TUC have organised workshops throughout the month of August.
The workshops are specifically aimed at union activists
The subject areas are relevant, useful and delivered as standalone workshops, therefore
you are welcome to attend one or more or even all of them!
Unless otherwise stated the workshops duration is 3 hrs in and the timings are:
Mornings – 9.30 – 12.30 Afternoons – 1.30 – 4.30
August 9th
Morning workshop - Visual Impairment Awareness
This workshop aims to give an understanding of the affects of visual impairment in daily life and also to share knowledge of practical skills and equipment available to assist visually impaired and blind people to maintain their independence.
Afternoon workshop – Managing Conflict
Looking at the reasons behind conflict, tips on managing, avoiding and reducing conflict.
August 16th
Full day - 9.30 – 4.00 (half hour for lunch)
Minute Taking and report writing
How to write relevant and effective minutes and the correct structuring of reports.
August 23rd
Morning workshop - Bullying and Harassment in the workplace
Defining bullying and harassment and what you can do about it.
Afternoon workshop - Equality and Diversity Defining Equality and Diversity and promoting a positive attitude to E&D in the workplace.
To book your place or for more information, please ring or email Bill Powell Tel: 01443 412 412 [email protected]
Available from introductory to advanced level, each takes between 1 and 50 hours to study. Complete activities to assess your progress and compare your thoughts with sample answers. Sign up for free to track your progress, connect with other learners in our discussion forums and find the tools to help you learn. Conversations and interviews This unit explores how to ask and answer questions in interviews and conversations. Visualisation: Visual representations of data and information Modern society is often referred to as 'the information society' - but how can we make sense of all the information we are bombarded with? In this unit, you will learn how to interpret, and in some cases create, visual representations of data and information that help us to see things in a different way. http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/?gclid=CLXmz8vXo6oCFYUY4QodDyfSVw
The National Eisteddfod opens this weekend in Wrexham!
Net News
From Claire at Quick Reads:
We are hoping to recruit some
who are familiar
with the books and passionate about Quick Reads and literacy and would be willing to share their experiences.
It would be great to include ULRs and learners from Wales and I wonder if you know of any ULRs or workplace learners who have this passion and would be willing to talk to the media about it. If so, it would be great if we could pass on their names and contact details to our fantastic new PR agency, Freud who will be driving this forward.
I can say that we have a really great list of Quick Read titles this year!
Interested? Please contact Linsey Imms [email protected] Tel 02920 3470101.
WBN 2012
It's been one month since we first asked you to tell us the 10 books you most love to read, give and share and there's still more than a month to go till the deadline to submit for your choices to be considered for World Book Night 2012.
The constantly updating top 100 has been available to view in alphabetical order but by popular request we're changing it to order of popularity for 1 week only. So till 1 August you'll be able to see the current favourite books in the order that they've been voted for.
If you haven't submitted your 10 books yet you've got till August 31 to make your mind up for their chance to be considered for WBN 2012. And don't forget that you can keep changing, tweaking and rearranging your list as often as you like! http://www.worldbooknight.org/your-books/the-wbn-top-100-books
This course is aimed at a wide range of union reps, union learning reps, project workers, union professionals, organisers and activists to help them deal with the increasingly common situation of employees who are diagnosed with cancer. The course includes: • So what exactly is cancer? • How does cancer affect people? • Assessing your sickness and absence policy • Disability Discrimination Act - case studies • Role of occupational health • Supporting members • Help with the cost of cancer • Understanding rights and responsibilities • Organising a cancer support project, campaign or event Course dates Bridgend (Bridgend College) 3 Thursdays from 14th June 2012 Cardiff (South Wales WEA) 2 day block – Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th December 2011 Newport (Coleg Gwent) 3 Thursdays from 15th March 2012 North Wales (Coleg Harlech WEA) 3 Thursday from 15th March 2012
For further information about the courses please contact the Trade Union Studies Centre running the course (contact details can be found on page 11). If your union can organise 10 or more students the course can be run on alternative dates at other venues. Contact [email protected] or 029 2034 7010 for further information.
For cancer support at home, over the phone, call the Macmillan Support Line free 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) www.macmillan.org.uk
Net News
The Open University’s The
series is a bite-sized and humorous approach to learning that can be accessed on YouTube and iTunes – using animations with the aim of attracting people through learning journeys that educate while entertaining.
Voiced by Clive Anderson, this is an entertaining romp through 'The History of English' squeezes 1600 years of history into 10 one-minute bites, uncovering the sources of English words and phrases from Shakespeare and the King James Bible to America and the Internet. Bursting with fascinating facts, the series looks at how English grew from a small tongue into a major global language before reflecting on the future of English in the 21st century.’
It is currently filling the Top 10 of educational downloads across the globe on iTunesU. iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=446081667
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/playlist?p=PLA03075BAD88B909E “Horrible Histories for adults, really good.” said an USDAW member.
Online learning can offer a convenient and effective solution for reps looking to develop their skills and knowledge. Course name Starts Union Reps Stage 1 20th Sept 2011 Equality Reps 7th Nov 2011 Union Learning Reps Stage 1 9th Jan 2012 Next Steps for Safety Reps (Stage 2)16th Jan Green Reps 7th May 2012 Disability Champions 11th June 2012
Please contact Wales TUC Education Team Tel: 029 2034 7010 Email: [email protected]
http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/extrasUL/Education/TUEDbrochures/Wales.pdf
Coleg Harlech Residential College, Snowdonia.
Coleg Harlech specialise in courses for people who feel their options are limited because they have few qualifications.
Students come from many different walks of life; the courses are particularly suitable for mature learners who have been out of education for a while. The most important thing is to have enthusiasm and a desire to move forwards. Tutors are passionate about their subjects, providing support and encouragement to ensure students reach their potential.
Subjects that can be studied full time over 1 year or part time over 2 years:
Music Technology
Social Sciences
Pathway to Nursing
Finance support – support for tuition and accommodation costs for learners who have lived in Wales for 3 years, based on household income.
Contact us for full details: 01766 781900 [email protected] www.harlech.ac.uk
1. What word can you form from the words 'ICE AND OUT?'
Clue: It is very important for us especially when getting a good job.
2. In what sport do the winners go backward while the losers go forward?
Answers at the bottom of Net News... For more information go to: www.illumine.co.uk [email protected]
Net News
This book was written by Robert Tressell the nom-de-plume of Robert Noonan, a house painter. Although born in Dublin, Tressel settled in England after living in South Africa at the beginning of the twentieth century.
The novel is set in the fictional town of Mugsborough, based on the southern English coastal town of Hastings, where Tressell lived. The original title page of the book carried the subtitle: “Being the story of twelve months in Hell, told by one of the damned, and written down by Robert Tressell.” He completed The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists in 1910.
Clearly frustrated at the refusal of his contemporaries to recognise the iniquity of society, Tressell’s cast of hypocritical Christians, exploitative capitalists and corrupt councillors provide a backdrop for his main target — the workers who think that a better life is “not for the likes of them”. Hence the title of the book; Tressell paints the workers as “philanthropists” who throw themselves into back-breaking work for poverty wages in order to generate profit for their masters.
This is a quote from one of the websites: “One of the best books I've ever read, it'll make you laugh! It’ll make you cry, it'll make you angry, and it will inspire you and give you strength. I've worked on building sites all my adult life and all the people and arguments in this book are very much alive! The struggle goes on. Robert Tressell you were a genius with talent unmatched, everyone should read this book.”
Pat McIlvogue looks at today’s parallels with Robert Tressel’s classic novel of working class life, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists. Read his comments here: http://www.unitescotland.org/2011/07/05/is-this-1910-or-2011/
Dear all,
SEMTA ran a pilot this year for a ‘
programme in parts of the UK
to support female employees within the sector (Sciences, Engineering and manufacturing Technologies) to develop a career plan and provide training to aid career progression.
The programme has now been rolled out in Wales (funded by UK CES). SEMTA will provide a £400 contribution per candidate towards the cost of any training identified.
For more details, please visit the following link: http://www.semta.org.uk/about_us/media_centre/news/women_in_work_in_wales.aspx
Any questions regarding this information? Please feel free to contact me. Rebecca Rebecca Irving Glyndŵr University Wrexham Prifysgol Glyndŵr Wrecsam
Tel/Ffon: 01978 293597 / 07803 0191 89 [email protected]
TUC Education has developed a brand new Equalities diploma which will be rolled out across the UK from September 2011.
The diploma is designed primarily for experienced trade union reps whose role would benefit from a wider understanding of equality issues. It is intended to help students understand the equality issues in the workplace, current equality legislation and how it can be applied to their own organisation.
For further information about this diploma contact:
Julie Cook - REO in Wales t 02920 347010 E mail [email protected]
The National Eisteddfod opens this weekend in Wrexham.
Net News
A new website, www.higherlearningatwork.org has been launched to help learners discover the opportunities available to get better qualifications.
There are diagnostic tools to see if you are ready for degree-level studies: traditional entry requirements may not be necessary, your life and work experience will count. There are courses which have bite-sized modules so that you can combine learning with your work and family commitments and bring your knowledge up to date.
Unionlearn is now one of the leading organisations providing information to working people, who are looking for advice on getting access to higher-level studies.
The website will be useful to you if you are a union member or a rep. It is also useful to all other working adults, including apprentices, who are interested in moving on to higher-level learning. You will find a range of resources to help you to advise learners. You can check out ways of working with unions to change lives through learning.
The site gives access to information about funding available to make your learning more affordable and for union members there may be special discounts and bursaries arranged through your union or unionlearn. Ctrl and click to follow this link:
http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/policy/learn-3608-f0.cfm?regional=7
If you want to include a link to the new TU Ed course booklet in any email or newsletters you’re doing in the next few months this is the best link to use: http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/extrasUL/Education/TUEDbrochures/Wales.pdf
The BA Humanities programme is a part-time scheme which is aimed at adults who wish to study at degree level but are unable to do so on a full-time basis. The course is taught at the Singleton Park Campus and in community centres across South West Wales.
Swansea - Townhill, Clydach Neath Port Talbot - Neath, Glynneath, Banwen, Port Talbot Carmarthenshire - Llanelli, Brynaman, Llandybie Pembrokeshire - Narberth, Pembroke Dock, Haverfordwest, Fishguard
Students choose two subjects from a wide variety including: History, Counselling, English, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Statistics, Environmental Studies and many more.
Study in the day and/or evening
No formal qualifications required
Help with childcare costs
Age and status no barrier
Extensive study skills support
Financial support and bursaries available
Apply now for a place on the BA Humanities programme starting in September 2011
It’s time to realise your potential! Please contact Janice Brown for further
information 01792 295499/295935 [email protected] www.swansea.ac.uk/dace
Trade Unionists are invited to the Cymru Cuba Stall at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham at
3.30pm on Thursday 4th August for the unveiling of a plaque to Twm Sbaen.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northeast/guides/halloffame/historical/twm_sbaen.shtml
Net News
The TUC Educational Trust offers two bursaries of £800 each to enable trade union members to visit a European Union country in 2011/12.. The purpose of the visit will be to study, first-hand, an aspect of trade unionism, industrial
relations, training or employment and to write a report for TUC Education.
The closing date for applications is 19th August
http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/education/learn-3899-f0.cfm
This guide is about progression in the work that you
do to support union learners. It will help you to think about gaining skills and knowledge in advice and guidance, coaching, mentoring and facilitating
learning. http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/advice/learn-4009-f0.cfm
Unionlearn are teaming up with the BBC First Click campaign to help encourage the millions of people who currently do not use the internet to understand and enjoy its benefits. There's a wealth of online and offline First Click resources which could help you help learners. http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/ict/learn-4001-f0.cfm
A new nationwide service has been launched to provide free, unbiased advice to help
everyone make the most of their money. The Money Advice Service will help people take the
right financial decisions and act on them, by giving personalised advice online at
moneyadviceservice.org.uk, over the phone on
0300 500 5000, and face-to-face across the
UK through a national network. http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/initiatives/learn-3887-f0.cfm
There is a small fee for attending any of the taster days where participants are shown some of the basics. If you enjoy the experience you can book a weekend course with the taster fee refunded. Taster days will be £20/head. Weekend Courses @ £80/£100 self financing/funded.
TASTER DAYS 6th August Moel Famau, Mold 13th August Blaen y Nant, Bethesda
TRAINING COURSES 20/21 August Moel Famau, Mold 10/11th Sept Blaen y Nant, Bethesda
Further Details please contact: [email protected] Tel: 01824 703523 Web links:- South Wales: -http://www.dswales.org.uk/English_Index.html North Wales: -
http://www.dswa.org.uk/north-wales-g.asp
Connected Learners Cymru is a website open to all ULRs and union learners. There is loads of excellent info on this site: - course info, events how to do sections, videos, blogs, photos and comment sections.
Go to this link, register and have a good look around. http://connectedlearnerscymru.ning.com/
Add the link to your favourites
The popular toolkit of Supporting Learners Guides for all union reps has been updated and
is now available to download or as a printed copy. (Some info applies to England only)
www.unionlearn.org.uk/advice/learn-4000-f0.cfm
Net News
Making the most of your money’ is a free, hour-long seminar delivered by specially
trained presenters in your workplace.
The seminar covers everything from budgeting, borrowing, saving and investing, and protecting your family and possessions to saving for retirement.
To support this seminar, we give all the attendees a free copy of our ‘Making the most of your money’ guide.
By bringing the Money Advice Service into your workplace, you will help your colleagues to manage their money better. You will also give them a better understanding of money issues more generally and motivate them to shop around. This can help them save money.
By reducing their financial worries, you will help to cut their stress.
Tel:020 7943 0500 www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
The TUC Educational Trust can provide for ten bursaries of £250 to students who are offered a place on this part time course. The Certificate programme takes a detailed look at the three main sets of institutions in industrial relations: the unions, the employers and the state. If you wish to apply for one of the above TUC Educational Trust bursaries you will need to download the application form.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 19
TH AUGUST
Please return application forms to: Liz Rees, National Trade Union Education Manager, unionlearn, Congress
House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS For further information email [email protected]
This course is designed for anyone who is unemployed or is looking for a career change. It is especially suited to those who are unfamiliar with what jobs are available and who are unsure about what jobs they would be suited to.
By taking this course, a learner will have access to all the information you need about jobs in a few different sectors – from health and social care, to retail work or manufacturing. It explains what qualifications or experience are needed for different jobs.
The course includes videos from people who already work in different roles who help show what is involved in certain roles.
A demonstration of the WorkWise course will take place via the online learning platform, Webex. To sign up to the free half hour demonstration of the course that you can enjoy from your own PC, email [email protected].
Other employability courses include: Job Seeking Skills, Welcome to Planet Work and Working Ways Employability Skills Programme.
How to get involved
Our learndirect delivery is predominately
through FE institutions. If you would like to know more about courses in your area then please contact [email protected].
A full list of the participating hotels and easy to use booking system is available on the website
Net News
Course provider to be confirmed shortly For First Tier Advisers:
Citizens Advice Bureaux, Trade Union Reps and Advice Providers within the Voluntary Sector
Starting Autumn 2011 in Wrexham One day a month for 6 months during business
hours
The course will increase your knowledge of
Employment Law
Equality Act 2010
Preparation of Employment Tribunal Case
Workings of the Employment Tribunal To register your interest or find out more
details contact Kerry Wakefield on 02920 447725 or at
The Cwmbran event consists of our interactive area and stage show. The show is free but ticketed. It's too early to apply for your tickets but if you are keen, please register your interest. The location of the LIVE show is: Cwmbran Congress Theatre NP44 1PL Show times: 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm The location of the Interactive Tent (open all day, no tickets required): Cwmbran Shopping Centre, Gwent Square, NP44 1XP http://www.bbc.co.uk/tv/features/bang/aps/?ONEML=s
tu25m&MEDIA=stu25mr1_eml357
Please visit our website for information on our training programme. sheltercymru.org.uk
Overall, qualification levels in Wales increased in 2010, continuing the general increase seen in recent years. An estimated 12 per cent of working age adults in Wales reported having no qualifications, compared with 14 per cent in 2009. More http://wales.gov.uk/topics/statistics/headlines/post16education2011/110720/?lang=en
Ty Menai (formerly CAST) Parc Menai, Bangor – 14th September 2011 9.15am – 12.45pm
Digital Technologies are transforming the world. Design and product development processes must keep pace with change.
The increase in uptake of mobile applications, widespread use of digital interfaces and rapid convergence of communication infrastructures means that design considerations are more important than ever to allow the average user to interact effectively with digital technology.
Designing Digital Futures brings together these key areas in an informative and stimulating workshop.
Support and funding through Business Innovation for Product & Service Design
How converging technologies will affect your business
The Science of Human Computer Interaction
Considering the user experience in relation to products and services
Augmented Reality Attendance is free but it is essential you reserve a place. To register for the event please email: [email protected] confirming the name and contact details of attendees.
Net News
Plas Pentwyn, Castle Road, Coedpoeth, Wrexham, LL11 3NA 29th September 2011 Lunch 12:30pm Event 1:00 - 3:30pm
Dear Colleague Domestic abuse isn’t a private matter that stays at home when its victims go to work. 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse and every year it costs businesses £2.7 billion in lost economic output across the UK. It can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism and increased employee turnover.
Outline of the afternoon This will be an opportunity to hear about effective practice from a number of different perspectives. Speakers include Ann Beynon OBE (EHRC Commissioner and Director BT Wales), Stuart McKenna (Diversity Manager for the Co-operative Group) and Jan Pickles OBE (NSPCC Cymru). You will see how early intervention and taking a number of small practical steps can reduce sickness absence, save money and save lives.
Who should attend? This half day conference is aimed at private and public sector human resource practitioners and trade union representatives.
We hope you can attend this free event Mandy Mandy Bain Tel: 01248 360581
Please respond by 1st September Please email to [email protected] Tel: 01248 360581 Text phone: 18001 01248 360581 Comisiwn Cydraddoldeb a Hawliau Dynol Equality and Human Rights Commission
Credit union membership in Wales continues to grow, with more than 50,000 members and junior savers enjoying the benefits that belonging to a credit union can bring.
Whether you want the flexibility to save what you can when you can, or save regularly to build that ‘nest egg’, then credit unions may be the sensible option for you.
Being a member of your local credit union brings many advantages: knowing that your money is safe and secure, backed by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme; the idea of your money is staying within your community to benefit your local area, and the opportunity to apply for a loan at a reasonable, affordable and competitive rate of interest.
How to join a credit union? Credit unions exist throughout Wales; you can join a credit union near to where you live or work. To find your nearest credit union, visit www.wales.gov.uk/creditunions or contact the All Wales credit union Helpline on 0800 4960865 (Monday to Friday during normal working hours) or email [email protected]. And don’t forget, many public sector employers offer payroll deduction schemes to make saving with a credit union even easier.
Find out more at http://bit.ly/mt0VSJ
Net News
Title of new study: ‘In their own words’: Capturing the voices of older women from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds to understand what dignity means to them and to explore their experiences and expectations of social care.
Research evidence indicates the need for studies that explore the importance of dignity and respect from an older person’s perspective. Of importance are the voices of ‘seldom heard’ groups, such as older women from BME backgrounds. Currently underway is an all-Wales study exploring the lives and experiences of women 55 years and older who self identify as being from Chinese, Indian, Bangladeshi, African-Caribbean and Black Welsh backgrounds. We want to find out what dignity means for these women and their views, experiences and expectations of the type of care they have had and would expect to receive.
In order to collect the stories, we will recruit multi-lingual community researchers to promote, recruit and interview women from West Indian/ African-Caribbean, Chinese, Indian (the Gujarati diaspora), and Bangladeshi backgrounds. They will work on a sessional basis (half days, evenings or week-ends) between September 2011 and June 2012.
Full details about the posts will be posted shortly. Please contact me, [email protected] or by telephone 01443 483042 if you would like to be added to our contacts list and receive further information on these posts. Please feel free to pass this on to your contacts and networks.
Liz Folkes Research Assistant Centre for Research & Innovation In Care ScienceUniversity of Glamorgan
For your information and use is an article by unionlearn director Tom Wilson in TES. A couple of quotes to give a flavour of the article are:
One-tenth of all union activity is now concerned with learning, and this should rise to 20 per cent within a decade.
88 per cent of employers who have been involved in our projects say they want to continue with them. Many report that they help create a new constructive relationship with the union and employees.
Unions have always been involved in learning. Blazoned proudly on the first trade union banners were the words “Educate, Agitate and Organise”.
See the link below for the full article.
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6090254
Bridgend Richard Young tel: 01656 302511 Email: [email protected]
Cardiff Terri Bishop tel: 01443 412 412 Email: [email protected]
Newport Roy McCabe tel: 01633 466061 Email: [email protected]
Wrexham Nick Taylor tel: 01978 318866
Email: [email protected]
Contact your nearest centre for latest course details. All courses are free – expenses might be paid by your union. You must contact your branch for details of your union procedures to join a TUC course.
Net News
The survey, which contains the most comprehensive information on apprenticeship pay, retention and training to date, commissioned by unionlearn and carried out by Incomes Data Services found that salary levels ranged considerably by apprenticeship, subject area and year/stage.
It showed: Across all years and subjects the average gross salary was £12,634. 45 per cent of salaries were between £10,001 and £15,000. The average private sector salary was £13,351. The average public sector was £11,433. There is a correlation between size of employer and pay, however salaries in the smallest private sector firms are only 3% below the all sector/all year annual salary. Subjects with the highest pay had the highest retention rates, post-training.
The survey showed a higher concentration of female apprenticeships in the lower-paying sectors, such as hairdressing and social care. In Extractive and Mineral Processing Occupations where the average salary was £17,609, no female apprentices were recorded.
On average, contracted apprenticeship hours were 36.8 per week, actual hours worked were 34.3 hours with 7.3 hours spent in off-the-job training. Contracted working hours ranged from a maximum of 39.3 hours in Arts, Media & Publishing, down to an average of 35.3 hours per week in Retail and Commercial Enterprises.
When employers were asked why they employed apprentices: 98% agreed that they recruited apprentices to train the workforce of the future. 85% said apprentice schemes provided value for money.
32.9% said they employed apprentices because they received funding to do so. When employers were asked why they do not employ apprentices: 40.9% said they prefer to recruit fully-trained staff. 34.1% agreed that a lack of funding was the reason they did not employ apprentices. 27.3% said they did not employ apprentices because they did not know how to do so.
Tom Wilson, unionlearn, said: 'This is the most comprehensive survey of apprenticeship pay, but it is only a start. It is imperative that the government carries out an annual survey on this subject. What the IDS survey shows, and this was borne out at the National Apprenticeship Awards, is that the most successful apprenticeships are those in the companies which are unionised and provide high quality schemes with good pay and conditions. However, too many employers are not doing enough to provide and fund apprenticeship places.'
Abigail Morris, policy adviser, British Chamber of Commerce, said there was a lot of goodwill among businesses towards apprenticeships. But, according to interim results of a survey of 7,000 employers by her organisation, a third said they have no plans to take on an apprentice this year.
The full report can obtained at http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/files/publications/documents/216.pdf
Look out for these briefings at the Network of Excellence meetings in September. See dates for diary on page 13 for the meeting in your area.
Net News
Commenting on the latest figures for workplace fatalities released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which show 171 people were killed at work last year, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
"While you cannot read too much into one year's figures, everyone will be concerned about this rise in workplace deaths, especially given the steady fall in fatalities we have seen in recent years.
"The responsibility for the increase in deaths this year must be placed at the door of negligent employers, but more needs to be done to ensure that all employers protect their workers from harm.
"The government's recent decision to reduce workplace inspections and the budget cuts for both the HSE and local authorities make it more far less likely that problems will be identified before something goes wrong.
"Traditionally injury rates increase as we come out of a recession. If we are going to stop this year's increase becoming a long-term trend we need more inspections in the workplace - not less." NOTES - The HSE figures are available at www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htm
- The report is for April 2010 to March 2011, and confirms that 171 people were killed while at work (provisional figure), which is an increase of 24 on the figure for 2009/2010 (147). Agriculture, waste handling and construction continue to be the most hazardous sectors of occupation. Headline figures are as follows: * The number of workers killed last year in the construction sector (50) has increased when compared with the number in 2009/2010 (41). Fatal injury figures fluctuate from year to year and the rise in construction sector deaths is not
out of line with the trend over the previous five years (average 61 fatal injuries per year). * There were nine fatal injuries to waste and recycling workers which is an increase from the four deaths recorded in 2009/10. This is in line with the trend over the previous five years (average 10 fatal injuries per year). * Thirty four workers were killed in the agriculture sector, which is a decrease when compared with 39 in 2009/2010. The number of agriculture sector deaths also remains in line with the trend seen over the previous five years (average 35 fatal injuries per year).
As a Union Learning Rep you have a tough but crucial role to play in the workplace when the business faces rough times. You are a vital source of information for your members and eyes and ears of your union in the workplace. This checklist can help. http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/initiatives/learn-3902-f0.cfm
, unions and ULRs have added the
advantage of being able to contact local Wales TUC development officers for advice, information and support on redundancy and the ReAct 2 scheme.
Mid: Mark Rees [email protected] 07766 250082 North: Barbara Hale [email protected] 07747 775393 South: Deri Bevan [email protected] 07769 971336 and Kevin Williams [email protected] 07747 775658 West: Roger Jones [email protected] 07833 158627
Trade Unionists are invited to the Cymru Cuba Stall at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham at
3.30pm on Thursday 4th August for the unveiling of a plaque to Twm Sbaen.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northeast/guides/halloffame/historical/twm_sbaen.shtml
Net News
Unionlearn are giving away five copies of Life’s Too Short, (true stories about life at work), to
each rep who applies. Go to this link to order whilst stocks last!
http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/publications/index.cfm?frmPubID=172
South Monday 5th Sept Newport West Tuesday 6th Sept Swansea Mid Thursday 8th Sept Aberystwyth North Friday 9th Sept Wrexham
12 Basic skills seminar North Wales 19 Basic skills seminar South Wales
7-11 European Study visit 10-11 ULR Conference Newport
8-9 Tutors Briefing
These are the provisional dates and venues for 2012
South Thursday 2 February Cardiff West Friday 3 February Port Talbot Mid Tuesday 7 February Brecon North Wed 8 February Caernarfon
North Thursday 14 June Bridgend Mid Friday 15 June Milford Haven West Tuesday 19 June Machynlleth South Wednesday 20 June Rhyl
South Thursday 6 September Newport West Friday 7 September Swansea Mid Tuesday 11 September Newtown North Wednesday 12 September Wrexham
It was excellent to see over 80 members come along to the June Network meetings.
A ‘glitch’ at the FBU Training Centre saw us all make a swift exit to Bridgend Trade Union Centre. Thanks to the staff who made us welcome at short notice on a Monday morning. And thanks to the members who made the unexpected journey – we didn’t lose anyone!
Each meeting had a briefing from ADT - Independent Training providers, a quiz from the OU in Wales, (well done prize winners) and Essential Skills – a number session, (I didn’t know that about Toblerone or Cadbury’s Dairy Milk!). Other briefings included European study visits and Careers Wales.
Meetings were lively, friendly and informative. So if you didn’t get a chance to attend this time, come along to the September meetings!
From Sally Joyner, CWU ULR
Support for those with dyscalculia and other processing difficulties that affect numeracy are woefully inadequate. Children are not being identified and screened in schools, students in colleges and universities are struggling to gain a diagnosis and those in the workplace often find themselves disadvantaged if their difficulties are not recognized and addressed
Please sign our petition. http://www.petitiononline.co.uk/petition/we-the-
undersigned-hereby-petition-the-government-to-develop-
and-implement-a-strategy-to-improve-awareness-
screening-detection-and-support-for-mathematical-
learning-difficulties-such-as-dyscalculia/3031
Did you get the answers? 1. Education 2. Tug of War
For more information or to join the Network of Excellence please contact Bernice, [email protected]
