Union learning representatives (ULRs) are lay union representatives, whose main function is to advise union members about their training, educational and development needs. Since the launch of the Union Learning Fund (ULF) in 1998, and the introduction of statutory rights for ULRs to train and carry out their duties in 2003, more than 18,000 have been trained helping more than 400,000 people into learning.
Both employers and workers stand to benefit from ULRs. They are an inexpensive source of expert advice for employers. They are particularly effective in reaching workers with basic skills needs—people who may be reluctant to take advantage of training opportunities. In that sense, ULRs help to stimulate a demand for learning and training among a group which employers find it hard to reach.
Rounded figures for trained ULRs since April 1999 are as follows:
As at April each year Number 1999 730 2000 1,600 2001 3,000 2002 4,700 2003 6,700 2004 10,300 2005 14,000 2006 16,000 2007 18,000