LONDON, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Unite, Britain's biggest trade union, is using World Book Day tomorrow (Thursday 6th March) to build on the successful work initiated by Union Learning Reps in hundreds of workplaces.

Unite wants it's 2600 Union Learning Reps (ULRs) to set up libraries, book shelves, reading groups and book swaps, to get the union's two million members hooked on books.

Unite the union has secured an extra GBP2.7 million from the Government's learning fund to continue to build a learning culture that supports, encourages and aids it's members in their lifelong learning journey and help them reach goals, both personally and professionally, that many individuals never thought would be possible.

Graham Goddard, Unite Deputy General Secretary, said:

"Education and a culture of learning must be prioritised and Unite believes that it should not end when people leave school or college. Education needs to continue throughout our lives and it is very important to us as a union to help our members improve their skills, which in turn raises their confidence and self esteem, and equips them to take advantage of any opportunity that comes their way. "

"World Book Day is an extremely important event in highlighting the importance and joy that we get from reading. The union is encouraging our 60,000 workplace reps and their employers to use World Book Day to begin to establish a culture of learning within their workplace, to ensure that our members can access opportunities to enhance their skills today and face the challenges of the future."

Note to editors

Unite has purchased a set of display stands that contain 60 books written for adults and over 200 children's books for 12 of Unites Regional Offices (regions in line with the 12 regional development agencies). Similar display stands will also be available for each of the learning centres in Derby, Leeds and Watford.

Tom Beattie on +44(0)20-8462-7755 or Brian Gallagher on +44(0)7957-995947