He promised education and training opportunities for unemployed under-25s and a further £650 million for further education. However, there were concerns that money might be cut from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills’ budget as part of efficiency savings across Government.
NUS President Wes Streeting said:
“We welcome the Government’s commitment to provide education, employment and training opportunities to unemployed under 25s. The current recession has resulted in the worst youth employment prospects in a generation, and we are therefore pleased that the Government recognises the importance of offering educational opportunities in order to help individuals and the economy back on their feet.
The creation of new educational opportunities is infinitely preferable to the prospect of long-term unemployment, and the devastating effects it has on individuals, families, communities and the wider economy.
“We are also pleased that funding for additional college places will be increased by £250 million this year, and £400 million next year. This investment is necessary to cope with additional demand among young people who want and to need to gain new skills, and also helps pave the way for the raising of the education and training leaving age.
“Any proposed savings from the higher education budget must be carefully thought through, and must not come at the expense of students. This year will already be challenging for students, staff and institutions which are facing caps on additional student numbers.
Higher level skills are vital in enabling economic recovery and must not be jeopardised by cuts in provision or damage to the student experience.”