About

From our very beginnings Trade Unionists have always recognised the importance of education in empowering working people. Where those in power have often sought to limit workers access to learning, we have always campaigned to ensure that working people get the education they deserve. The CWU believes that education can transform the lives of all working people and their families for the better. We are committed to providing all our members with equal opportunities to learn.

The CWU has developed a nationwide network of Learning Centres and Union Learning Reps. We aim to deliver the courses YOU want, delivered in the way YOU want them, at the time YOU want them.

Courses currently being delivered include IT courses, English & Maths refreshers, communication skills, English for Speakers of Other Languages, British Sign Language and conversational Spanish. CWU courses are generally offered to members at greatly discounted prices – often they are free! All of our learning centres are run by our Union Learning Reps – CWU members just like you, who know first-hand the issues affecting working people who want to learn new skills.

We understand that not everyone can get to a learning centre. That is why we also offer a range of online, e-learning opportunities and are developing different avenues and methods to bring our member's the best in education opportunities, where ever they are and what ever their situation.  

To find out where your nearest learning centre is click on the region where you live or work.

Who we are

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) is the biggest union for the communications industry in the UK with 250,000 members. It was formed in January 1995 when the Union of Communication Workers joined forces with the National Communications Union.

Our members

CWU members work in the Post Office, BT and other telephone companies, cable TV, Accenture HR Services, the Alliance and Leicester and Girobank. Our members' expertise includes engineering, computing, clerical, mechanical, driving, retail, financial and manual skills.

Our values 

The CWU's Statement of Values aims:

• to provide first class collective and individual representation for all CWU members;

• to achieve security of employment for all members;

• to offer individual membership services of the highest quality;

• to expand trade union membership throughout the communications industry;

• to promote, by industrial and political means, the success of the industries in which our members work;

• to campaign against all forms of discrimination;

• to further these objectives by promoting the influence of the union throughout the national and international community.

Our Sponsors - Simpson Millar LLP Solicitors

Proudly sponsors the nationwide CWU Learning Centres website and its continued development.

The network of learning centres will help to empower Union members and through the help and assistance of the learning representatives any CWU member will be able to fulfil their true potential.

With the fast pace of the world today, education is key to staying ahead of the game and a course that is tailored to your needs, and the issues you face, can only benefit you in the long run.

Simpson Millar LLP continues to work together with CWU members and their families, beyond just delivering legal advice, to support all of the initiatives the CWU provide for their members.   

For more information on Simpson Millar LLP and the services they provide CWU members and their families visit http://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk or call your free legal helpline on 0800 804 6674 open Monday-Friday, 7am-9pm.

Simpson Millar LLP Legal Services include:

• Personal injury claims – On and off-duty

• Conveyancing for house sales and purchases

• Off-duty road accident compensation recovery

• Occupational disease

• Writing your will

• Family law

• Consumer rights

• Financial services