Age Discrimination Legislation

Case Study - The Union Learning Fund

The Union Learning Fund was set up by the Government in 1998 to help trade unions use their influence with employers, employees and others to encourage more people to learn at work. So far, it has benefited over 28,000 people in the workplace through projects ranging from tackling basic-skills needs to advanced professional development. People of all ages are invited to take part.

The GPMU (Graphical, Paper and Media Union) in Greater London is running one project out of the 120 that are currently underway. Many GPMU members work for employers with fewer than 20 staff and have little access to learning. The project aims to increase members' employment prospects by:

• increasing their skills;
• setting up a learndirect learning centre; and
• encouraging on-line learning.

The centre will also be open to workers' families.

The project manager also decided to write to retired GPMU members to find out if they would be interested in getting involved in this project. To his surprise, 2000 members replied and there have now been six information technology courses for retired union members. He has received many letters of thanks, including one from the oldest person to take part who is 87.