Lecturers welcome Scotland skills strategy

The strategy states that: 'A steady flow of graduates is vital in order that industries in which Scotland operates at the leading edge can continue to compete favourably.'

It also recognises the key roles played by universities in technology transfer from our world class research base into viable products and processes and in producing the next generation of key public sector workers.

The strategy places increased importance on the innovative Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) which should allow articulation between courses. Scotland is at the leading edge in developing such frameworks in Europe and once fully implemented this will allow easier transitions from college and work based qualifications for entry to higher education. In some cases this can lead to students with appropriate qualifications gaining access to the second or even the third year of degree courses.

UCU assistant general secretary, David Bleiman, said: 'The Scottish government has recognised the importance of higher education in developing the skills of our young people and in turn the Scottish economy. We now look to the coming Scottish Spending Review for the financial support our universities need to deliver for Scotland.'