Responding to the long-awaited government careers strategy, today (Monday) UNISON head of education Jon Richards said:
“Although the strategy is welcome, it seems to be a series of additional short-term funding initiatives that will do little to address the huge gaps in skills across the UK.
“It looks like a missed opportunity to pull together an effective and coherent careers service that could provide proper independent and impartial guidance by qualified professionals. As they stand, the plans appear to add on extra initiatives without properly linking up existing projects.
“Throughout the years, careers services have been cut hugely by the government. As a result, many people are in low-paid jobs missing out on education or learning new skills. Only an effective national careers service can address and reverse this trend.
“It is key that quality careers advice is planned properly and funded adequately as it can help improve social mobility, reduce levels of inactivity through training or education, and also lead to higher wages.”
Media contacts:
Fatima Ayad T: 0207 121 5255 M:07908 377215 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
