Unions secure recognition agreement with training provider Total People

The University and College Union (UCU) and Unison have signed a recognition agreement with the training provider Total People, the union announced today (Tuesday).

UCU welcomed the agreement as an "important milestone" and said it would allow the trade unions to engage in collective bargaining over pay and working conditions on behalf of almost 300 staff working at the provider.

Part of the LTE Group, Total People is a major provider of work-based learning across the UK, delivering a range of provision including apprenticeships, traineeships and short courses to over 6,000 learners.

UCU regional official, Martyn Moss, said: 'I'm pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement on recognition and bargaining rights for staff delivering training and apprenticeships.  This is an important milestone in our relationship with Total People which we now look forward to developing positively.'

Linda Dean, managing director at Total People, said: 'I firmly believe that the agreement builds on the already excellent colleague relations that exist within our organisation, providing all colleagues with access to the support of the unions.'

James Bull, UNISON Regional Organiser, said: "We warmly welcome the progress achieved in bringing this recognition agreement to fruition. It will not only provide an enhanced platform of rights and a strong collective voice at work for our members at Total People, but also ensure we have a framework for constructive discussions moving forward about issues that affect staff and training delivery."