Economists to help trade unions strengthen influence amid UK's new industrial strategy
SOAS is set to provide the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) with economics education as part of a new initiative to help union leaders shape union strategy in a changing UK economy.
As the Labour government announced plans for a new industrial strategy at the end of last month, universities and trade unions will have the opportunity to play a creative role in this new environment through this partnership. The programme, which just launched, will use SOAS’s expertise in political economy to offer advanced training and resources to trade union members across the UK. The aim is that this will support wider economic stability and growth by enhancing the economic literacy and capabilities of trade union members.
Costas Lapavitsas, Professor of Economics at SOAS University of London, said: “The UK is about to engage in a profound shift in economic policy, strongly emphasising industrial policy. This partnership is poised to contribute to more informed labour negotiations, better economic decision-making, and ultimately, a more equitable economic environment.
SOAS is an international leader in political economy and has long experience in planning and executing economic policy. In collaboration with GFTU, a historic trade union federation, it will help to train staff and activists aiming to make a positive contribution to the changing economy.
Gawain Little, General Secretary of the GFTU, said: “For far too long, economics education has been neglected by the trade union movement and this has weakened unions industrially and politically.
“Our new programme will provide something for staff and activists at all levels of the trade union movement, from TU leaders shaping union strategy in a changing economy to workplace reps negotiating over pay and working conditions. We are incredibly pleased to be working with SOAS, a world-recognised centre for the study of political economy.”
An associate will be appointed to lead the programme and facilitate the transfer of SOAS’s knowledge to GFTU staff. The post is open for applications and closes on 17 November.
Image credit: Adobe Stock
