UNISON, the union for professional careers advisers, today called for urgent changes to the way careers services are provided in England, following publication of a report from the Education Select Committee.
MPs on the Education Select Committee warn of a ‘worrying deterioration’ of careers services under the present government, and call for the reinstatement of face-to-face guidance for all young people.
Jon Richards, UNISON head of education, said:
“It’s depressing that UNISON and so many others warned the government that this would happen. The government has given schools the duty to provide careers advice, but at the same time refuses to fund it. So while experienced, qualified careers advisers are losing their jobs, many schools are failing to provide the impartial, independent advice that young people deserve.
As the number of young people not in education, employment and training continues to increase, UNISON is concerned that schools have been placed in an impossible position.
Jon Richards, added:
“We don’t criticise individual schools for inadequate careers advice provided. The system created by the government means that young people aren’t being given the full picture. The government has set up a new National Careers Service, and it should be funded to work with schools – that’s what it should be there for.”
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