Right to request training will enable workers to improve their skills

Commenting on the Skills for Sustainable Growth consultation, launched today (Thursday) by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said:
“Ten million workers received no training last year so the Government must use every possible lever to encourage more employers to offer staff training.
“The consultation rightly focuses on the needs of learners in delivering training. The Government can achieve this by honouring the right to request time off for training, which gives workers the flexibility they need to improve their skills.
“We welcome the recognition that unions can play a key role – particularly through our network of 25,000 learning reps – in encouraging employers and workers to take up training.
“But while no one disputes the economic imperative for a better skilled workforce, modern research facilities, apprenticeship schemes and employer incentives to train their staff require investment as well as good will.
“It’s therefore vital the Government’s commitment to skills is not undermined by self-defeating budget cuts.”

Mikron Theatre returns to the Midlands

The excellent Mikron Theatre returns to the Midlands with their play "Striking the Balance" from Thursday 29th July.They return with a performance at The Waterman Canalside Pub & Restaurant, Birmingham Road, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 7JJ, starting at 7.30pm.

The performance will be held in The Waterman gardens, overlooking the famous stairway to heaven flight of locks on the Grand Union. Bring your own blankets and chairs!
Further tour dates in the midlands are available from the Mikron website: http://www.mikron.org.uk/tourDates.php

Lincoln and District TUC look to the future

Lincoln and District TUC delegates met last night (Thursday) to discuss plans for future campaigning work across the City.
The Trades Council heard from TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon who outlined the campaigning opportunities for the trades council, recognising that the future looked bleak for many public servants - and the people who relied on them. Cheryl emphasised that it was not just public sector workers who are going to suffer, the communities we live in will be hit and private sector jobs will also be lost as public sector contracts disappear.
Cheryl congratulated the trades council on their work over the past year, organising against the BNP, fundraising for striking Royal Mail workers, protecting elderly care homes and organising Lincoln's first May Day celebration for 20 years.
Delegates discussed plans for future campaigns against public sector cuts and how they can use these campigns to grow the trades council and recruit new trade union members.