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 Home Resources Library Lifelong Learning
Usdaw briefing – Cuts in ESOL fundingDate: 06 February 2007
Union Learning Reps (ULRs) have enabled thousands of low paid migrant workers to access classes to learn or improve their English in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes. BackgroundThis has not only helped to ensure safety procedures are understood, but also helped social cohesion. Crucially it helps the integration of the 'local' and the 'migrant' workers, and consequently helps tackle social division, racism and the influence of extremists like the BNP.Often ULRs get employers to contribute to the cost of the programme by providing some paid release for ESOL classes. Most often this is matched time - for each hour of the individual's time, the employer will provide an hour of their 'time'.
New proposed changes will stop this dead!On the 18th October, the Learning and Skills Council announced its intention to change the funding for ESOL - to restrict full fee remission (ie free tuition) to those on Working Families Tax Credits. The rest would have to pay a significant fee.
These changes will shift the burden of paying for ESOL classes onto some of the lowest paid, most vulnerable people in society.
Usdaw aims to:
Why have these changes been introduced?Two main arguments are given:
Government says:
Usdaw responds:
Government says:
Usdaw responds:
What employers sayChristian Salvesen in Lutterworth, employs a number of people whose first language isn't English. When drivers brought in or took away a delivery, they would normally expect to sit down with the depot staff, enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. But some Salvesen's employees could not manage this, due to their poor English. The drivers interpreted this as bad manners or 'stand-offishness'.However, once the workers started their ESOL courses and gained confidence with the language, they were able to pick up on banter, idioms and nuances. They found it much easier to get on with the drivers. Relationships are now as cordial as they can be. Site manager Paul Walker said: "We were so impressed with the impact ESOL courses have had; we've expanded the classes to include everyone on site in a range of learning opportunities." At TDG in Rugby, there are a lot of employees from ethnic minority groups. There were no serious racial tensions, but people from different groups tended to keep to themselves. That is until they got involved in the learning programme and found themselves working closely together on their courses. "There has been a huge difference in colleague relationships, with people cheerful and chatty and mixing freely with each other as they go about their work", says HR Manager Sharon Lee. "We've got all sorts of ethnic groups here and since the courses started it really works."
What Usdaw says"ESOL is about much more than functional Health and Safety skills - although this is important. It's about promoting mutual respect and understanding. It's about tackling racism and social division."John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary
What the TUC says"Being able to speak English is crucial if people are to be safe and treated well at work. We are worried that limiting access simply to those on benefits and tax credits will cause real problems for vulnerable workers. A fairer way would be to give free language training to anyone who can show they are on a low wage or un-waged rather than making someone prove they are in receipt of benefits."Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary
What you can do:
Visit our web site www.usdaw.org.uk to find out more about Usdaw, our campaigns and to download our publications. You can also ring our helpline 0845 6060640* or contact your local Usdaw office. Usdaw briefing - Cuts in ESOL funding was correct at date of publication February 2007. Download File: If you do not have the software to download this attachment you can download it here. Download File: If you do not have the software to download this attachment you can download it here. Download File: If you do not have the software to download this attachment you can download it here. Resources Library Lifelong Learning
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