2. Do unions care about skills? Prof Mark Stuart

3. Do unions care about skills: unfolding evidence base - Increased research effort on unions and learning and developing evidence base - Critical perspectives on: -Emphasis on supply side, how to engage with demand-side -Focus of learning interests – employer/individual -Potential for union renewal? - Effort seen as novel, but hampered by major challenges given weak regulatory environment - Despite this, union efforts can make a difference

4. Effect of union learning on members n Rapid rise of ULR network delivering new ‘service’ n Large take-up of learning – in some cases supported by paid time-off n Learning centre network to support this (some novel environments, construction) n Evolving learning cultures n Latent demand for learning – and union role can encourage this further n But, n not all members benefiting n Proportion of ULRs inactive/ insufficient support from employers n Focus on lower level skills/ disconnect with working practices

5. ULRs as an organising story n Growth of network in itself impressive – ahead of targets n Around third ‘new activists’ n Potential to recruit new members n Examples of learning organisers n ULRs becoming embedded in rule books, branch structures etc n But: n Separate activity from ‘traditional’ industrial relations in many workplaces n Some degree of ULR uncertainty about role n Still some disconnect to wider organising agenda in many unions

6. Sustaining and developing: levers? n Bargaining over learning has increased, but still low base – higher where ULRs n Agenda developing through learning partnerships and agreements n Often explicitly divorced from broader bargaining agenda, although evidence of positive spill overs. n Potential for influence outside the workplace – networks of local providers; Sectors Skills Council and SSA n Evaluation of SSA questioned ‘mechanisms for collective action’ n Engaging employers will remain an ongoing challenge