Government education cuts are depriving many young people and adults of the chance to contribute fully to society, UNISON has warned today.
A new freedom of information survey, sent by UNISON to all of the 248 further education colleges in England has revealed the devastating impact government funding cuts are having on learners and staff, with the situation set only to get worse.
The survey results demonstrate how the cuts are limiting access to further education, through course closures, reductions in admissions and job cuts.
More than 60% of respondents said they had closed courses that ranged from Aerospace engineering and construction, through to a-levels and part-time adult learning. Colleges gave funding cuts and changes to funding eligibility rules as the main reasons for cutting courses.
In addition, despite record youth unemployment figures, the survey also reveals a drop in enrolment figures for this academic year