Commenting on the Queen’s speech, Dr Patrick Roach,
General Secretary of the NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union,
said:
“The post-16 education sector has endured a decade of cuts and
underfunding and the commitment to vocational education and
skills and support for lifelong learning is long overdue.
“It is critical that young people and adults have access to high
quality training, education and advice, particularly given the
severe economy challenges arising from the pandemic.
“It is a pity the same Government programme for further education
comes just a few months after ministers’ decision to axe funding
for the Unionlearn scheme which supported thousands of workers to
access training and basic skills.
“The Government now needs to put its money where its mouth is and
provide the investment needed to ensure education and training is
accessible to all.
“Ministers also need to ensure that, wherever people are
employed, their basic rights at work are protected. Absent from
today’s legislative programme are any measures to end the growing
abuse of employment rights and unscrupulous practices by
employers, including the unacceptable use of dismissal and
re-engagement practices.
“Supporting people to gain the skills they need to find work and
progress their careers must go hand in hand with ensuring they
are treated decently and fairly in the workplace.”
