Investment in skills needed to tackle recession, says UCU in response to Queen’s speech

Wednesday, 03, Dec 2008 12:00

The University and College Union (UCU) said today (Wednesday) that further education should be at the heart of tackling the recession as people seek to refresh their skills as they seek employment. However, the union warned that the government needed to demonstrate clear support for lifelong learning if the sector is to be able to deliver its plans.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: “With millions of adults looking to retrain during the economic downturn, it is more vital than ever that there is a broad range of courses in place for them to do so. We urge the government to carefully consider the impact current planned cuts to adult education will have and to ensure that proposed changes for adult learning reflect the needs of learners, as well as employers, and provide genuine opportunities for lifelong learning.”

“We need greater flexibility, especially around the flagship Train to Gain programme, to cope with differing demands in different parts of the country. One size will not fit all parts of the UK and we need to be allowed to develop skills training and programmes that keep people and local communities engaged with learning relevant to them and their needs.”

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contacts:

Dan Ashley t: 020 7670 9705; m: 07789 518 992; e: dashley@ucu.org.uk