GMB Magazine GMB24 The Pulse Spring 2016 | Page 25

LEARNING UPDATE Visit GMB online at www.gmb.org.uk Care in CRISIS portunity Education op GMB hosts care sector forum C are providers, politicians and GMB representatives came together recently to discuss the impending crisis in funding for elderly care. Representatives from local authorities and private care companies of all sizes attended the event, hosted by GMB. Current funding for elderly care is unsustainable and the government needs to act quickly to avert a total collapse. The issues carers face on a daily basis were raised, and the forum gave a human face to what’s normally referred to in dry, financial terms. The funding gap is expected to be £1.1 billion by 2020, and care homes will be forced into closure. Rachel Dix, GMB organiser, said: “We wanted to explore what action we could take to get the government to not just sit up and listen, but to invest adequately in our elderly and vulnerable. Unions and employers do not “GMB will work closely with employers” FOUR WHO CARE Rachel Elizabeth Paley, Lou Foster-Wilson, m. foru the plan Dix and Victoria Austin always agree – but GMB is determined to work closely with enlightened employers because it is right for everyone.” The introduction of the Living Wage – which GMB says should be £10 per hour – was a key point during the forum. However, every discussion and debate came back to inadequate funding for this important sector. Dewsbury’s Labour MP Paula Sherriff is a member of the Health Select Committee, and recognised the importance of the issue. She has promised to raise the issue in Parliament. LEARN ONLINE The GMB Learning for Work (LFW) project in Yorkshire and North Derbyshire Region has built a brand-new website for Union Learning Reps (ULRs) and GMB members who want to improve their skills and knowledge. It’s great if you want to get other members or your employer on board with the important learning agenda. Sarah Barnes, project worker for LFW, worked tirelessly to develop the site, which makes education and training courses available at the click of the button. She said: “As a learning project worker and a parent, I understand how important it is for members to be able to access information around the clock in a time and place most suitable for them. The site provides detailed information on adult apprenticeships, distance learning, ULR training, free online resources and GMB-run education courses. I’ve worked hard over the last few months to get the site up and running – but it has been very rewarding. Plus the feedback from ULRs and learners is really positive.” Chris Murphy, LFW project manager, added: “Learning is a core union business. GMB members deserve to have their interests represented when it comes to education and training opportunities. Trained ULRs can do this. Find out more about what your branch is doing and if you require any assistance, contact the LFW project and we will link you to a project worker.” Visit the new website and see what you think: www. gmblearning.com www.gmblearning.com HELPING YOU LEARN GMB project worker Sarah Barnes. www.gmb.org.uk 25 INS24.yor_25.CW6.indd 25 17/02/2016 11:21