13 January 2009
Immediate release

MURRAY CALLS FOR ENHANCED WORKPLACE LEARNING IN DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY

Elaine Murray MSP is backing calls for a coordinated and properly funded approach to boosting literacy in workplaces across Dumfries and Galloway.

Labour will be using debating time in the Scottish Parliament tomorrow (Thursday 14 January) to bring up the important issue of literacy provision. The Literacy Commission, established by Labour in 2008, recently reported that up to 1 million Scottish adults have difficulties with reading and writing and 13,000 children leave primary school every year unable to read effectively.

Elaine Murray believes that workplace learning needs greater recognition, ideally through a government strategy for workplace literacy accompanied by a central funding stream.

Elaine Murray MSP said: “If we are to tackle the 1 million adults who struggle with reading and writing our workplaces must become learning environments. Trade unions already do a fantastic job in providing opportunities for thousands of learners in the workplace but their efforts need to be backed by government action.

“I hope the Scottish Government recognises the good work done by trade unions and businesses and is able to come up with a clear strategy to work with all involved to extend workplace learning. We need to start by consolidating the various funding streams so that a sustainable long-term approach can be adopted.

“There is currently no government strategy for workplace literacy and the ability to access appropriate training within the workplace is harder for a rural area like ours. I urge all political parties to unite around a drive to use the workplace to develop employees’ skills. I hope in the debate tomorrow all political parties will commit to providing dedicated funding for workplace literacy programmes. We must ensure that the arrangements are responsive enough to allow Dumfries and Galloway to benefit as much as the cities in the central belt.”
 
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CONTACT - ANDREW MACKENZIE 07769206856