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Birkbeck and trade unions champion higher education and provide discounts for learning

Discounts worth a total of nearly £400,000 have been given to trade unionists studying at Birkbeck

Discounts worth a total of nearly £400,000 have been given to trade unionists studying at Birkbeck thanks to a pioneering agreement. Hundreds of trade unionists have benefited from the deductions geared towards raising aspirations as a result of the three-year understanding between Birkbeck and the trade unions.

As part of the agreement, Birkbeck and Unionlearn – the learning and skills organisation of the TUC – work together to champion and support work-based progression to higher education. This includes a 10 per cent discount on tuition fees for trade unionists studying all types of courses, including at undergraduate and postgraduate level. So far, 1,085 discounts, worth a total of £398,773, have been claimed.

The memorandum of understanding has just been renewed for another three years. It reads: “Unionlearn and Birkbeck share a common mission to support the career development of working adults, to raise their aspirations to higher education and help realise them through access to higher education courses.”

From strength to strength

Professor David Latchman (pictured, right), Master of Birkbeck, and Frances O’Grady (pictured, right), General Secretary of the TUC, recently signed a memorandum of understanding to extend the existing arrangements by another three years.

Annette McCone, Widening Access and Retention Manager at Birkbeck, said: “Birkbeck has been committed to educating working Londoners since it began in 1823. We are proud of this tradition, and hope that our links with Unionlearn will continue to encourage trade unionists to enrol on our courses and benefit from the opportunities offered by higher education.”

Ian Borkett, Unionlearn Service Manager, said: “We value our partnership with Birkbeck, especially its commitment to the 10% discount on fees for trade unionists. We look forward to working more closely in future years to ensure working people continue to have access to high-quality part-time education.”

Trade unionists are eligible for the reduction if they are studying at a higher level than any qualification they already hold. Any member of a union that is recognised by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), including Unite, Unison and the University and College Union (UCU), is eligible to benefit from the discount.

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