Commenting on the education secretary Bridget Phillipson’s announcement today (Monday) that student fees will rise, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“Universities across the UK are in a terrible state financially.
“Increasing fees in line with inflation will help some institutions weather the immediate crisis.
“But these sums are nowhere near enough to secure the future of higher education.
“And raising fees will deter many young people from less affluent backgrounds from going to university.
“Ministers need to overhaul funding in a way that recognises their value to students, communities and the wider economy.
“It’s also vital to ensure education remains affordable so no one is discouraged from studying because of the rising cost.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contact:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk