Today, Ipswich MP Chris Mole saw how his constituents are benefiting from union-led learning during a visit to the Royal Mail centre in Ipswich.

Chris met Union Learning Reps (ULRs) and learners who were keen to tell him about how they had improved their skills on their 'Skills for Life' course.

Unionlearn, the TUC's learning and skills organisation, has supported the Skills for Life project with funding from the Union Learning Fund (ULF). The project provides numeracy, literacy and language training to staff to both enhance their work lives but also their personal lives as well.

Unionlearn was launched by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in May 2006 and already has 150,000 workers enrolled on courses nationwide. By encouraging staff to continue their professional development in a workplace setting, businesses can improve morale and increase employee retention rates.

Chris said:

"I was delighted to hear first hand from my constituents about their achievements. Union-led learning is clearly changing their lives and giving them confidence to engage with learning again and improve their skills.

"This not only benefits them, but also their families, communities and the local economy."

Barry Francis, Unionlearn Regional Manager said:

"Unionlearn is working in partnership with unions and employers to make workplace learning accessible to union members throughout this region.

"Through our network of Union Learning Reps, workers throughout the region are taking up courses, improving their skills and making real progress. The Union Learning Fund (ULF) is making hundreds of projects like this possible across the country."

 (* Chris with 'Skills for Life' award winner Esther Bloomfield)