100 MPs back Usdaw fight to keep ESOL courses free for migrant workers

Retail union Usdaw has helped secure the support of more than 100 MPs as it fights to keep English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses affordable for migrant workers.

The MPs have signed a parliamentary Early Day Motion, put down by Labour MP Helen Jones, opposing government plans to withdraw funding that enables Usdaw’s army of Union Learning Reps to offer EU nationals free ESOL language courses.

Migrant workers passing ESOL courses offered through Usdaw led learning schemes have found it much easier to fully integrate into their workplaces and the wider community.

“Usdaw has been a pioneer of ESOL courses as the retail, distribution and food manufacturing sectors are where many migrant workers find employment when they come to the UK", says Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett. “The ability to access these vocational ESOL courses free of charge has meant that the existing workforce and migrant workers are better able to communicate and work together.

“The harsh reality is if migrant workers are forced to find at least £400 to take ESOL courses then they won’t be able to learn a new language as the cost is prohibitive to low income workers.

“We’ve a huge amount of support from major employers who see the direct benefits of ESOL courses to their businesses as staff turnover dramatically declines where migrant staff develop good language skills.

“It’s no use saying that migrant workers need to fully integrate into our society if we then deny them the chance to learn English. Communication is the key driving force behind integration.

“We’re asking the Government to reconsider because our members are telling us loud and clear that ESOL has been crucial to building integrated workforces.”

Notes to Editors:

• Check if your MP has signed EDM 383 go to http://edmi.parliament.uk/edmi/
• Contacts for newsdesks: Usdaw’s Media Officer, Paul Clarke, can be contacted on 0161 249 2469 or e-mail paul.clarke@usdaw.org.uk.
• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK’s fifth biggest trade union, with over 340,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.
• Journalists can subscribe to receive Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service

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