Speaking at Learning 4 Life, unionlearn’s annual conference in London, John Hayes, minister for further education, skills and lifelong learning paid tribute to the contribution of unions and their partners to raising skills in the workplace. Presenting the awards with Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary, he said: “These quality awards provide a clear signpost to both learners and employers of where they can find good learning. And that’s why I’m so pleased to be here and to have this chance to offer my congratulations in person to this year’s award-winners.”