Invest in next generation or become yesterday's country

Noting that in its first year the government has legislated to make both college and university more expensive, Sally Hunt will highlight the UK's floundering position in world education*. She will argue that the UK's economic future depends on 'creating sustainable, green economic growth in a race to the top, not a race to the bottom with low skills, low wages and a burnt-out shell where our public services used to be.'

Making the case for education, Sally Hunt will argue that colleges and universities must be at the centre of a new strategy for growth, not on the periphery. She will outline how education benefits the economy and can deliver social justice. She will tell union members that their greatest challenge is to persuade the public that spending on education is an investment in our future, not the deadweight some ministers have suggested.

In a wide-ranging speech she will make a clear defence of UCU members' pensions and launch a stinging attack on the destructive role private providers of higher education would play if government privatisation plans proceed unchallenged.

UCU general secretary, will say: 'Since the turn of the century the UK's qualification rates have been overtaken by Iceland, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Japan, Ireland, Portugal, the US, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. It is possible that all those countries are wrong to be investing more in education and we are right but I doubt it. A country equipped with yesterday's skills will soon become yesterday's country.

'When you shut the door on opportunity for our young people you don't just waste lives, you waste money. When you weigh the cost of keeping kids on benefit versus giving them a chance in life it is ignorance that is the expensive option, not education.

'Investment in education pays for itself many times over. Every £1million of revenue spent in our universities and colleges generates 27 jobs. Those with qualifications earn more, pay more tax and are less likely to rely on benefits.

'Current and former further education students contribute £28bn to our economy ever year. Teaching and research in our universities create an estimated £59bn in annual worth every year. The UK's economic future depends on creating sustainable, green economic growth, on a race to the top, not a race to the bottom with low skills, low wages and a burnt out shell where our public services used to be.
 
'Colleges and universities are powerful drivers of social justice. Education creates healthier and better-informed citizens who are more likely to participate in democratic institutions. As Nelson Mandela put it, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.''

*More on the international comparisons can be found at UK plummets down graduate league table and UK drops into relegation zone of world education tables.

UCU general secretary address to UCU Congress 2011