Further education cuts threaten sustainability of UK businesses, says UNISON

Responding to analysis by the Labour Party showing that spending on further education and skills fell by £3.3billion in real terms between 2010-11 and 2017-18, UNISON head of education Jon Richards, said:

“Further education should not be at the bottom of the pecking order when it comes to investment.

“Colleges play a vital role in bridging the skills gap that threatens the sustainability of businesses in the UK.

“Across the country we are seeing support staff jobs being cut, putting added pressure on the remaining employees. Long-term investment is needed so colleges can plan to meet the needs of students and the demands of local businesses and the UK economy.”