UCU warns that education cuts will create 'lost generation' of young people

Kicking off UCU's annual congress in Manchester, UCU president Alastair Hunter, said: 'There is a real fear of a lost generation of young people in this country with both sectors facing huge budget cuts. Last year 158,000 people failed to find a place at university and with a 23% increase in applications over 200,000 could miss out next year.
 
'We already have nearly one million young people not in education, employment and training. They represent a grotesque scandal of unfilled potential. Every young person has a right to education and we cannot afford to allow this skills gap to develop.'
 
Over 400 UCU members from colleges and universities around the UK will debate motions on all aspects of their work. The union's general secretary, Sally Hunt, will address the conference on Tuesday.