Blaydon MP joins fight back against massive college cuts

The cuts will see college budgets slashed by an average of 17%. However, because of protections on apprenticeship funding, the budget for other types of adult learning, will be cut by up to 24%.

Dave Anderson says the cuts will impact hardest on the people who most need access to decent public services and cannot turn to well-off friends or family for support. He has also signed a parliamentary motion opposing the cuts announced at the end of last month.

UCU has warned that many of the courses most at risk cater for people who missed out on qualifications at school and are looking to refresh their skills as a means of getting back into employment.

Dave Anderson said: 'Starving further education of funds while ignoring tax evasion by HSBC says all you need to know about a government who simply doesn't get it and, frankly, doesn't care either. This, as with most of the policies imposed on us in the last five years, will have the hardest impact on those most reliant on decent public services and least able to turn to well-heeled friends and family to help them to succeed.'

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'Funding for adult skills has already fallen 35% since 2009. These latest cuts are a devastating blow to colleges and risk decimating further education. We have real concerns that the government's plans could be the final nail in the coffin for the types of courses people want to study as a springboard for improving their skills or just to try and get back into work.'

Over 17,500 people have signed a petition opposing the cuts.