UCU urges government to rethink 'over reliance' on Train to Gain

The report by the House of Commons Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills committee, called for more support for colleges delivering relevant training to individuals and communities likely to be worst hit by the economic downturn, and the union is concerned that the government is still relying too much on employers to reach targets.

Commenting on government's response to the 'Re-skilling for recovery: after Leitch' report by the Innovation, Universities, Skills and Science Committee, UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'We are pleased that government has taken on board so many of the committee's excellent recommendations but we are very concerned that the government haven't followed the committees advice on reforming Train To Gain.

'The recession is clearly hitting harder, more quickly and more severely than anyone expected. While the government's moves to free up train to gain are a step in the right direction, much more is still required, especially when it comes to reducing bureaucracy. UCU believes that resting so much of adult learning and skills learning development on employers in these difficult times maybe misplaced, as employers struggle merely to survive.'

• read a copy of the government's response here