CWU: Pupils should be in the know about employment law

Schoolchildren should receive education on employment law to prepare them for the world of work, it has been claimed.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has suggested that trade union studies should be offered to children in schools.

Forwarding a motion at this week's TUC conference in Brighton, the CWU paper stated that offering guidance to young members on their rights is 'crucial to the future of the trade union movement'.

General Secretary of the CWU, Billy Hayes, commented: 'Young people are the most likely to suffer from injuries at work or be taken advantage of by employers as they are least likely to know their employment rights.'

Mr Hayes added that the organisation believes the Government should give school-goers the chance to learn about employment rights and that educational establishments should utilise the knowledge of union speakers.

The TUC conference is in its 140th year in 2008, spans four days and is being held at the Brighton Centre.