The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has joined a coalition of organisations including broadcaster Channel 4, manufacturers’ organisation Make UK, and the National Housing Federation to “get the nation learning” as a new report demonstrates that when adults learn, our society and economy thrive.
Led by the independent policy and research organisation Learning and Work Institute (L&W), the Get the Nation Learning campaign has been launched to make and win the case for lifelong learning. At the heart of the campaign sits the Get the Nation Learning Charter, signed by employers, membership bodies, and community organisations.
This campaign launches as L&W’s research, commissioned by the longevity think tank Phoenix Insights set up by Phoenix Group, shows that lifelong learning increases adults’ employment prospects and reduces their out-of-work benefits receipt. With the Government targeting an 80% employment rate and a reduction in economic inactivity, the research shows that participation in learning could be a game changer for adults seeking and staying in work.
People qualified at or below GCSE level or equivalent, the research finds, see the greatest impacts of learning in the immediate term, while employers who invest in workplace training enjoy improved retention and increased workforce productivity.
The Get the Nation Learning campaign aims to turn the tide after over a decade of decline in lifelong learning. The adult skills budget in England has been cut by £1 billion since 2010, resulting in millions fewer people gaining qualifications. At the same time, employers are investing 26% less per employee than in 2005, with significant inequalities in who benefits from training at work.
Lifelong learning is essential for a thriving society, resilient economy, and empowered individuals. At the CIPR, we champion and support lifelong learning because we recognise that public relations is constantly evolving. The latest findings from the Learning and Work Institute clearly show that investing in skills, training, and development drives productivity, fuels business growth, promotes social mobility, and is essential for success in a rapidly changing world. That’s why we’re proud to stand alongside other professions, industries, and sectors in supporting the Get the Nation Learning campaign, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to build the skills they need, today and for the future.
Alastair McCapra, CIPR Chief Executive
