For Immediate Release
More than three quarters of women and almost as many men in Scotland may be excluded from financial success because of problems with literacy and numeracy, according to a recent study. These adults tend to have unstable working lives because of their limited skills, putting them in a dangerous position in the current economic climate.
An answer to Scotland’s skills crisis may be found in trade unions. For years, Union Learning Reps have been helping people access learning opportunities in the workplace. They can help all workers to progress in skills development, especially to those who may be at risk of redundancy to access courses in reading, writing and computer skills. Learning Reps are specially trained for this role, and help in everyday skills is confidential and free.
STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said:
“The size of this problem is truly breathtaking. The failure of successive Scottish Governments to address this is holding back individuals, the economy and undermining social cohesion. The Government needs to put in place a coherent strategy for dealing with everyday skills, particularly at the workplace, and to back it up with long-term funding.”
Sylvia O’Grady of Scottish Union Learning said:
“Eight years ago, the Scottish Government estimated that one in five workers in Scotland had an everyday skills issue. Based upon our experience, we believe it could be many more. This is shocking in the current economic climate but trade unions are working hard to address the issue. Scottish Union Learning recently held an everyday skills event in Perth, and over 100 Learning Reps attended. There was real progress during the discussions on increased skills support for workers.”
ENDS
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