Thousands petition government over FE cuts

UNISON was part of a delegation that handed a petition to Downing Street this morning (Friday), signed by more than 42,500 people opposed to ‘unfair’ and ‘harmful’ cuts in further education.

Christine Lewis, UNISON national officer, further education, was among a group of leading sector representatives delivering the petition to No 10.

It follows a mass lobby on 17 June at the Houses of Parliament, which gave FE staff the chance to speak directly to their MPs about the impact of drastic funding reductions in the adult skills budget in their classrooms.

College funding for learners over 19 is set to be cut by 24% in 2015/16. This is on the back of budget reductions totalling 35% since 2010.

The latest cuts threaten 400,000 training places. And many colleges around the country have already begun to shed jobs.

Ms Lewis commented: “UNISON members in FE colleges, the learners that they work with, the workforce as a whole and the economy will suffer because of this ignorant and prejudiced attack on education for working people.

“We, other trade unionists, and people who care about opportunity for all will fight the destructive cuts and attacks on education and training in colleges.”

UNISON is working with other trade unions and key stakeholders, including the Association of Colleges, on a campaign to challenge the cuts.

Rally and march

Members in the south west can also come and join the South West Region #LOVEFE Rally and March in Plymouth tomorrow (Saturday) from the Civic Centre from 12 noon.

This joint UCU and UNISON initiative is receiving wide support from other trade unions and the community. The rally will coincide with the celebration of Forces Day when thousands of visitors and tourists from all over the country will be in Plymouth. You can find out more about the rally on Facebook.