Proposed changes to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision include:

• existing universal entitlement to free ESOL training up to level 2 removed;
• fee remission available only to people receiving means-tested benefits and tax credits;
• asylum seekers aged 19+ no longer automatically eligible for publicly funded FE provision from 2007-08.

UCU highlight that take-up of ESOL has risen in recent years and in many cases demand exceeds supply. They believe that the changes to ESOL funding mean that for many people with ESOL needs, the cost of paying for courses will shift from the public purse to individuals, unless employers make a contribution. They highlight that although the government thinks employers and migrant worker agencies should pay there is no mechanism in place to ensure they do.

UCU has welcomed a decision of the London Employment and Skills Board (LESB) to commit £15 million to protect the teaching of ESOL in London during 2007-8. UCU has been leading a campaign against the introduction of fees for ESOL.

Paul Mackney, UCU joint general secretary, said: “UCU of course welcomes funding to lessen the impact on London of the government’s new fees for many ESOL courses - fees which may deter many of the students most in need of language skills. However, it is not yet clear which kind of courses the funding will support. A new suite of qualifications is in the pipeline. We’re concerned that quality shouldn’t be compromised.”

He also stated that there are large challenges for other cities facing an ESOL crisis. Regular updates from the save ESOL campaign are available to download from the UCU website.

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