Voice comments on education spending report
Tuesday, 25 October 2011 12:19 PM
Voice: the union for education professionals has commented on the report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that has found that public spending on education in the UK is set to fall at the “fastest rate since at least the1950s”.
Senior Professional Officer (Education) Ian Toone: “This is very alarming news.
“It could be argued that the areas facing the deepest cuts – school buildings, higher education, 16-to-19 provision and early years – should be seeing increased funding. “It is crucial that there is investment in education now and for the future.
“Many school buildings require urgent repair. Government estimates are that 75% of all UK schools have buildings that comprise asbestos-containing materials. The Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) has called for a national audit of asbestos in school buildings after figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showed that of the small number of academies inspected approximately 60% had enforcement action taken against them for failing to adequately manage the asbestos in their buildings. [http://www.voicetheunion.org.uk/index.cfm?cid=831] .
“Higher education, in which Britain is a world leader, is crucial for the future of research and economic development.
“Further education (16-19) plays a key role in providing training for business and jobs and in preparation for higher education.
“The early years are crucial for children’s social and behavioural development and in laying the foundations for lifelong learning. The early years set the course for the rest of a child’s life. Childcare provision also enhances the economy by enabling more parents to work full-time or even work at all.”
ends
Contacts: Voice Press Office (pressoffice@voicetheunion.org.uk) on 01332 372337 or 0794 871 0413 , Senior Professional Officer (Education) Ian Toone on 01332 372337 or General Secretary Philip Parkin (philipparkin@voicetheunion.org.uk) on 01332 372 337 or 077 259 601 32.
www.blog.voicetheunion.org.uk
http://twitter.com/voicetheunion
Voice: the union for education professionals
2 St James' Court
Friar Gate
Derby DE1 1BT
Tel : 01332 372337
web : www.voicetheunion.org.uk
Newsletter sign up