million+ responds to the merger of the business and universities departments
Responding to the announcement of a new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills today (Friday) which was created by merging BERR and DIUS Pam Tatlow Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+ said, “Universities may be understandably cautious but if the new Department means that universities are at the heart of the Government’s agenda for innovation and this is linked with a commitment to promote social mobility and employability then the new Department may bring greater coherence and some real benefits.”
Professor Les Ebdon Chair of million+, said: “The new department faces immediate challenges, in particular the tens of thousands of potential students who will be turned away because there are no places for them at university this year. If the new department is serious about skills it will find the additional places and funding needed.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- million+ is a university think tank working to solve the complex problems in higher education
- The details of the merged departments can be found here http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page19525
- For more information please contact Gemma Tumelty, Public Affairs Officer on 0207 7171657 or 07900 277819.