Voice comments on education spending report
Voice press release: 25 October 2011
Voice comments on education spending report
Voice: the union for education professionals has commented on the report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that has found that public spending on education in the UK is set to fall at the “fastest rate since at least the1950s”.
Senior Professional Officer (Education) Ian Toone said:
“This is very alarming news.
“It could be argued that the areas facing the deepest cuts – school buildings, higher education, 16-to-19 provision and early years – should be seeing increased funding.
“It is crucial that there is investment in education now and for the future.
“Many school buildings require urgent repair. Government estimates are that 75% of all UK schools have buildings that comprise asbestos-containing materials. The Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) has called for a national audit of asbestos in school buildings after figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showed that of the small number of academies inspected approximately 60% had enforcement action taken against them for failing to adequately manage the asbestos in their buildings.
“Higher education, in which Britain is a world leader, is crucial for the future of research and economic development.
“Further education (16-19) plays a key role in providing training for business and jobs and in preparation for higher education.
“The early years are crucial for children’s social and behavioural development and in laying the foundations for lifelong learning. The early years set the course for the rest of a child’s life. Childcare provision also enhances the economy by enabling more parents to work full-time or even work at all."
Further information (Institute for Fiscal Studies):
Have your say on the Voice Blog.
Contacts:
Voice Press Office
Email: pressoffice@voicetheunion.org.uk
Senior Professional Officer (Education) Ian Toone
Email: iantoone@voicetheunion.org.uk
General Secretary Philip Parkin
Email: philipparkin@voicetheunion.org.uk
Tel: 01332 372337