TUC: We need real investment in adult learning

3 Jun 2019 12:13 PM

Commenting on the publication recently (30 May 2019) of the Augar Review into post-18 education and funding, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Everyone should have access to quality education and training whatever stage of life they are at. But our further education sector has been cut to the bone by years of devastating cuts.

“This review is right to call for more support for our colleges. And for maintenance grants to be brought back.

"The government must repair the damage austerity has caused and properly invest in adult learning.

“As the world of work changes working people will need to keep gaining new skills throughout their career."

Editors note

• The TUC welcomes the commitment to fully funded education and training up to level 3 (A Levels or equivalent) for all ages
• The TUC is calling for:
  • A new lifelong learning account open to all adults incorporating fully funded skills entitlements, including an entitlement for all adults to achieve their first Level 3 qualification and a retraining entitlement to support career change for those already with a Level 3 qualification
  • A right to a mid-life skills/career review for workers and development of a high-quality skills/careers advice service for all adults
  • Reform of the right to request time to train so that it is changed to a new strengthened entitlement to paid time off for education and training
  • Government to set an ambition to increase investment in both workforce and out of work training to the EU average within the next five years
  • TUC is also supporting the current employer/union led Love Colleges campaign, which is calling for:
    • 1. Increased funding for colleges and adult skills. 
    • 2. A new Level 3 entitlement for all adults.
    • 3. Ring-fenced funding for a fair pay deal for college staff