Government should do more to promote community cohesion through English language provision

Sally Hunt, UCU general secretary, said: 'UCU welcomes this report which rightly recognises the contribution which courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) make to community cohesion. We agree that English classes should be available for the most vulnerable and those with greatest need, particularly women in settled communities.

'Sadly, there is no firm proposal for meeting the language needs of low paid migrant workers as the committee, despite accepting that employers should pay towards language training, rejects compulsion.

'Our members who teach these courses would also welcome the review of ESOL provision which the committee calls for. This may help stem the tide of learners who are losing out under the new funding regime as they can no longer afford these classes.'