THE government has been accused of “insulting hundreds of thousands of workers” after confirming plans to axe funding for Britain’s most successful workplace training scheme. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson refused to reconsider withdrawing £12 million granted to the Union Learning Fund (ULF) when asked in the Commons on Monday. Unionlearn provides skills training which improves the lives and productivity of 200,000 workers a year. It is supported by major employers such as Tesco, Heathrow airport, Tata Steel, FirstBus, CrossCountry, British Steel and Arla Foods, and administered by trade unions. Makerfield Labour MP Yvonne Fovargue MP asked in the Commons: “Would the Secretary of State reconsider the decision to scrap this highly successful programme and fund it through the national skills programme?”