BYC urges govt to keep young people’s right to choose over education

British Youth Council logo for press releases

Tuesday, 06, Nov 2007 12:00

The British Youth Council (BYC) today voiced concerns about the government’s plans to raise the education and training leaving age to 17 by 2013 and 18 by 2015, expected to be announced in today’s Queen’s Speech.

BYC’s Head of Policy and Public Affaris, Jo Field said: “Research shows there is not enough support amongst young people for this policy and it is unlikely that young people will be motivated by plans they do not agree with.

“BYC is not against young people remaining in education until age 18 but rather we are in favour of young people retaining their right to choose.”

BYC also dismissed the proposed fines for young people who refuse to participate voluntarily, as this will lead to the criminalisation and demonisation of the young people that the new legislation is allegedly trying to help:

Ms Field added: “young people who are at risk of dropping out need support not a criminal record.”

BYC is also concerned regarding the current situation in which apprenticeships are excluded from minimum wage regulations.

Ms Field continued: “BYC is also concerned about the numbers of 16 and 17 year olds who will find themselves being plunged into poverty by being forced to take up apprenticeships under the new legislation.

“We would urge the government to rethink its position on apprenticeships and ensure they are included within the National Minimum Wage, which should be set at an equal rate for everyone aged 16 and above.”

Instead of the proposed 14-19 reforms, BYC is calling on the government to intervene at an earlier stage and carry out a comprehensive review of the pre-16 education system in full consultation with young people.

Ms Field continued: “By ensuring that the pre-16 education system is at its optimum and meets young people’s requirements, not only will a larger proportion of young people achieve level 2 qualifications by age 16 but more young people will be inclined to remain in the system voluntarily beyond age 16.

“BYC advocates the need to generate a situation where even if young people choose to leave education at 16 they already have the knowledge to help them through life, to give them self-confidence, awareness and independence; enabling them to make informed decisions which best suit them.

“We see a move towards a compulsory, more thoroughly integrated, PSHE and citizenship curriculum for Key Stages 1-4, as being crucial to achieving this.”

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

For further information please contact:

Helen Deakin

Press and Policy Intern

British Youth Council

0207 022 1974

Press@byc.org.uk

www.byc.org.uk

Out of Hours: Jo Field, Head of Policy and Public Affairs: 07809 507360

1. The Education and Skills Bill is expected to be announced in today’s Queen’s Speech.

2. BYC is the national youth council and voice for young people under 26 living in the UK. We represent and involve a unique coalition of young people through their involvement as individuals or through national, regional or local youth organisations.

3. BYC’s coalition includes over 170 national youth organisations such as Girlguiding UK, campaigning organisations such as the National Union of Students (NUS) and youth wings of trade unions, political parties, faith and arts organisations. Also within our membership and network are 400 local youth councils and organisations representing specific groups such as lesbian, gay and bisexual and black and minority ethnic young people.

4. BYC works to ensure that young people are involved at every level of decision-making to allow them to be represented and to make their voices heard.

5. We aim to do four things: Provide a voice for young people; Promote equality for young people; Help young people be more involved in decisions that affect their lives; Advance young people’s participation in society and civil life.