Protect further and adult education from funding cuts
Sign the petition below
'We the undersigned call upon the government to protect and maintain funding for the vital economic and community services and infrastructure that further and adult education provide. There is no more powerful tool than education to help people affected by the economic downturn build or retain their confidence, skills and self fulfilment. The very same education simultaneously broadens the skill base of the community and economy making it more resilient and creating the platform for future growth and recovery.
At a time when the nation is relying on further and adult education more than ever, to go ahead with plans to cap and slash funding for these vital services is extremely short-sighted. Shortfalls in capital funding, frozen and reduced workplace learning allocations and slashed funding in the name of 'efficiency' savings will result in course and department closures, fewer training opportunities for the unemployed and a wave of job losses across further and adult education.
While the workforce in further and adult education are asked to meet the challenges of the recession they have for years received pay increases well below the economy wide average and below inflation. It is vital that the human resources of these sectors are protected, valued and rewarded with job security and pay that reflect their important role in the economy and the community as a whole.
The government does have the money. We have seen unprecedented amounts of public funds bail out the banks, it is therefore entirely appropriate and necessary that further and adult education are protected from funding cuts.'