Public and Commercial Services Union

• Did you know that 1 in 5 people who live in Scotland have difficulty with reading, writing or using numbers?
• PCS research has found that 1 in 6 members fell below national standards in literacy with over half failing to reach this standard in numeracy.
• It is estimated that an individual with improved literacy and numeracy skills could earn £50,000 more over their working life.
• Better skills improve the life chances of not only the learners but also their families and children.

What are PCS doing to address this?

PCS are undertaking a Skills for Life programme in partnership with HMRC, DWP and the Government Skills council to support the literacy and numeracy needs of our members. The aims and objectives of the union-led project compliments the public commitment made by our employers.

Who can take part?

Skills for Life support is both voluntary and confidential and is available to all employees at all grades initially within HMRC and DWP.

What does it offer?

Participants can choose to take part in a confidential ‘skills check’ that gives a guide as to the level they are working at in terms of literacy and numeracy.

The skills check is an interactive series of questions that should take around 30 minutes to complete. Your employer will give you time off to complete the task.

Following the skills check, participants can discuss their results with a PCS Union Learning Rep and the support available to them.

How do I get involved?

Contact your workplace PCS union learning rep who will be available to support you through the process.

So whether your reading, writing and number skills are a little rusty or you wish to obtain a qualification, contact your PCS union learning rep to arrange your skills check.