For far too long, the vital issue of training has been left up to employers - with the predictable result that skills gaps and skills shortages have been opening up throughout the UK graphical industry.

The GPMU has long argued that the only way to tackle the issue is by imposing a statutory training financial contribution on all employers, so that all companies make a contribution to skills development.

Now, thanks to the union's contribution to the government's latest Skills Task Force report, the statutory case is gaining ground among policymakers.

The system looks set to be launched in the autumn, when it will be covered in GPMU NetWork. In the meantime, you can find out more by phoning your local TEC (the number will be in your local phonebook).

Whether you want to retrain to keep up with technological developments or simply brush up your basic skills, you should find something helpful in this special training supplement.