Everyday Skills

Scottish Union Learning defines Everyday Skills as the language, literacy, numeracy and basic IT, digital skills and increasingly cyber security skills required both in the workplace and at home.  Everyday Skills activity also includes English language learning for those who do not have English as their first language, and support for learners who may be neurodivergent, or have other learning difficulties and disabilities. Everyday Skills promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Scottish Union Learning promotes Everyday Skills activity through Development Fund and Learning Fund Projects, Everyday Skills Events, Learning Conferences, STUC Equalities Committees, Health & Safety networks and ULR Development Days. Scottish Union Learning works with Scottish Government, and other external partners to raise awareness of Everyday Skills needs and suitable means of support. 

Everyday Skills Group

Through the Scottish Union Learning Everyday Skills Group which meets quarterly, unions are encouraged to engage with relevant Scottish Government strategies and are supported in participating in national initiatives such as Adult Learners’ Week, Book Week Scotland, Dyslexia Awareness Week and Maths Week Scotland.   The Group is comprised of members from affiliated unions, Scottish Union Learning, TUC Education, Dyslexia Scotland, and the Workers’ Educational Association. The Group meets quarterly to discuss all aspects related to workplace literacies, digital participation, cyber resilience, dyslexia and additional learning and support needs.  More recent developments include providing information and opportunities to develop Artificial Intelligence, Environmental and Green Skills. The Group is also responsible for contributing to the planning of the annual Everyday Skills Event.

Everyday Skills Event

The 17th Annual Scottish Union Learning Everyday Skills Event was held online on Thursday the 27th of February 2025. 

The event enables trade unions to raise awareness of Everyday Skills issues in the workplace and share best practice in supporting those with Everyday Skills needs. It is aimed at Union Learning Representatives, Learning Organisers, Equality Reps, Tutors and members who cascade information and skills in workplaces. More details on the previous event here.

The next annual Everyday Skills Event will take place on Thursday the 26th of February 2026.       

For further information, email Catherine Garvie.

Related resources

Accessibility GuidanceAccessibility Guidance Scottish Union Learning teamed up with Trade Union Equality Reps and disabled workers around Scotland to produce an employer-focussed accessibility guide.

Accessibility Guide - Equality Rep NetworkAccessibility Guide - Equality Rep Network Scottish Union Learning teamed up with Trade Union Equality Reps and disabled workers around Scotland to produce an employer-focussed accessibility guide.

Debt Advice Handbook for Scotland First edition of a new Debt Advice Handbook for Scotland from Money Advice Scotland, Citizens Advice Scotland and the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland.

Dyslexia GuideDyslexia Guide This guide is designed to help Union Learning Reps support and signpost people in the workplace who may have dyslexia, and to encourage them to contact relevant organisations that can provide the expertise required.

Neurodiversity Neurodiversity is a growing area of work within the Scottish Union Learning (SUL) Everyday Skills Programme.

Scottish Book Trust Scottish Book Trust is a national charity that believes books, reading and writing have the power to change lives.

Towards a dyslexia-friendly Scotland? Findings of the biggest-ever survey to date of the dyslexic population in Scotland.

Loading