Public and Commercial Services Union

Education and learning in PCS

PCS offers a range of education and learning opportunities for members and representatives.

Members may want to access lifelong learning or find out more about the union. Reps can develop essential skills via the trade union education programme. 

Find out what current courses are being run. Please see the events pages for current courses in your region 

Find out more on learning with PCS

Latest news

Review of right to request time to train

The coalition government is consulting on the future of the recently introduced 'right to request time to train'. The future of this right will be considered in the light of the government's 'commitment to reduce regulation'.

Unions campaigned for this right and, while the right is limited, it is helpful and we do wish to retain and build on it.

Unionlearn is conducting a survey of union learning reps and other reps to compile evidence to submit to the government.

Please take the time to do the survey which can be found on the unionlearn website.

It would also help PCS compile a response if you could send any views to David McEvoy, PCS National Learning Officer- davidmc@pcs.org.uk

The  closing date for replies is noon, 31 August 2010.

Trade union history

PCS has launched a series of resources on trade union history for members and representatives.

Time to train: statutory time off for study or training

Employees, (with the exception of agency workers) now have the statutory right to request time off for study or training from their employer.Branches should publicise the new right and use it to attract potential members to PCS.

This gives new opportunities for ULRs and negotiators to press for improvements in policies and collective agreements on learning and development.

PCS has issued a briefing and more information from the TUC can be found here. A Branch briefing (BB20/ 10R) aimed at Green reps and equality officers has also been issued.