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Network Journal 2007 Issue 3 May/June |
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TUC Black Workers
Changes to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) funding was raised by the Usdaw delegation to the 2007 TUC Black Workers Conference held in April in Bristol.
Many thousands of Usdaw members have used ESOL to learn and improve their English. Up until recently ESOL classes were free for all low paid workers.
However Government changes mean that from now on only those getting means tested benefits will get free tuition.
Usdaw believes this decision is wrong as it puts ESOL classes way beyond the reach of thousands of low paid workers. Very few migrant workers get means tested benefits - only around four per cent of them have been awarded Income Support or Working Tax Credit.
This means that in practice the majority of migrant workers will miss out on ESOL classes. And this is a major problem - how are workers meant to understand their rights at work or basic health and safety advice if they have been denied the chance to learn English.
Maureen Williams a member of the TUC's Race Relations Committee, and active Usdaw rep, moved Usdaw's proposition to restore free access to ESOL courses. "Restricting these opportunities comes at a price," she said. "An ability to exercise civil rights, to vote and get involved in the union all depend on the ability to speak English.
"We aim to campaign to ensure that affordable access to ESOL is available across the board to all low paid workers who need it."
www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/esol
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