This report explores the links between trade unions and workplace training, and the potential benefits of social partnership in the skills system.
The UK is relatively unusual in having no formal role for trade unions in the training system. In most advanced economies, trade unions and employers work alongside government in shaping the skills system.
There is significant evidence – both in the UK and internationally – linking trade unions and collective bargaining to higher employer investment in skills. There is also evidence to suggest that unions are particularly effective at engaging low skilled workers in training.
The report sets out how building a social partnership approach could help deliver the government’s aim of levelling up skills and prosperity across the UK after the coronavirus crisis.
1 April 2026
Supporting the progression of low-income workers in Scotland
With funding from the Robertson Trust, Learning and Work Institute has been working in partnership with Edinburgh College to develop a pilot to support low-income workers in Scotland to progress into better jobs.
1 April 2026
Final report: Supporting the progression of low-income workers in Scotland
This report shares findings from the second phase of our programme of work funded by the Robertson Trust and delivered in partnership with Edinburgh College. It sets out a proposed model for a new, evidence-led, in-work progression programme in Edinburgh.
13 March 2026
UK’s training and skills ‘tick-box culture’ puts at risk job mobility and future growth, new report warns
New analysis has identified an overreliance on mandatory and compliance training in UK workplaces compared to other countries – at the expense of more in-depth upskilling required for the jobs of the future.
13 March 2026
Training and skills needs: Trends and challenges in UK growth sectors
This report, the second in a series of publications funded by Nuffield Foundation, explores the level of estimated skills needs in UK businesses alongside the level and type of training that employers provide.
17 February 2026
Labour market dashboard
Every month, Learning and Work Institute produces detailed and timely analysis of the latest labour market statistics from ONS. Explore our interactive charts.
24 December 2025
Falling short: Understanding further falls in employer training
This briefing looks at how employer investment in training continues to fall – now down 36% per employee since 2005 – and argues that we must turn this around to improve economic growth.
22 December 2025
From confusion to clarity: rethinking England’s 670 occupational standards
L&W’s Stephen Evans and Pearson’s Donna Ford-Clarke reflect on findings from our recent research on England’s occupational standards – of which there are now more than double the number in countries like Germany and Switzerland.
27 November 2025
Responding to the full year apprenticeships data release
Learning and Work Institute’s Deputy Head of Research Dr Corin Egglestone responds to the full year apprenticeships data released on 27 November 2025.
18 November 2025
Responding to higher technical skills needs
Supported by Gatsby Charitable Foundation, this report explores employer and employee decision making about training and the development of higher technical skills.
