FENLAND: Public sector union UNISON call for Government to step in and help colleges

PUBLIC sector union UNISON has called for the Government to step in and help colleges, such as the College of West Anglia, at risk of losing millions and cancelling projects. The union s call came after Sir Andrew Foster s review into the collapse of the

PUBLIC sector union UNISON has called for the Government to step in and help colleges, such as the College of West Anglia, at risk of losing millions and cancelling projects.

The union's call came after Sir Andrew Foster's review into the collapse of the Government college building programme.

Chris Fabby, UNISON national officer for further education said: "Staff and students should not have to pay the price for problems they did not create. Further education colleges are crucial to making sure young people have the right skills to find work.

"The Government have bailed out the bankers, and they must step in to help those colleges which stand to lose millions and face having to cancel essential building projects.

"It will also be a bitter blow to the building and construction industry which is already hit hard by the recession and stands to lose 40,000 much-needed jobs."

Further education unions met the Learning and Skills Council last week to express fears about the funding crisis. They have also written to Sion Simon MP, minister for further education, calling for an urgent meeting.