UCU responds to minister's speech on plans for further education colleges

The union said any plans to allow some colleges more freedom from state control could not be at the expense of colleges in smaller and rural areas of the country who play such an important role in ensuring local communities' educational needs are best met.
 
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'UCU welcomes the priority given to further education by the minister today. His warm words must be backed up by increased investment not cuts.
 
'We recognise the major role played by our largest colleges, but smaller and rural areas are often better served by local community colleges who understand the needs of local people and employers. The government has to ensure those institutions have a continuing role in the provision of affordable second chances for people who want to retrain or missed out on education earlier in life.'