million+ urges Government to let unemployed ‘enrol for free’ at university and fund more university places in 2010

The university think-tank million+ has welcomed the Government’s commitment to support a target of 75% of people achieving advanced apprenticeships and degree qualifications by the age of 30 and has welcomed support for progression from apprenticeships to university. The measures were included in the Government’s White Paper Skills for Growth, launched by Pat McFadden MP and Peter Mandelson, following the publication of figures confirming that the number of unemployed young people has reached a record high and that overall, unemployment has risen to 2.46 million. However million+ warned that the Government needed to do more to promote access to higher education for those on Job Seekers Allowance and to fund more university places in 2010.

Responding to the White Paper, Skills for Growth, Pam Tatlow Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+ said: “The support for progression to university from apprenticeships and the aspiration to ensure that 75% of people achieve either a degree or advanced technical qualification or apprenticeship by the age of 30 should be welcomed.

“However if the UK is to avoid a cycle of long-term unemployment and boost the prospects of those on Job Seekers Allowance and young people who are bearing the brunt of the recession, the Government should support an ‘enrol for free’ scheme for those on JSA who want to study at university part-time. This would also support those who study in colleges, or as apprentices, to progress to university because part-time students, unlike full-time students, currently have to pay university tuition fees up-front.

“An ‘Enrol for free’ scheme for JSA claimants would help tackle long-term joblessness and has the advantage of providing individuals with improved prospects of future employment and earnings. It would also help build the high value skills for the economy and society of tomorrow on the basis of investment today.

“The unemployment figures also give the starkest possible warning that there will be increased demand for university places in 2010. The Chancellor must address the shortfall in funded places in 2010, in his Pre-Budget Report on 9 December.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. million+ is a leading university think-tank, working to solve the complex problems in higher education. www.millionplus.ac.uk
2. A cost-benefit analysis undertaken by million+ and London Economics has estimated that the total life-time economic benefit for individuals who participated in the enrol for free scheme would be approximately three times the associated costs in today’s money terms. The policy would have the long-term advantage of providing the Exchequer with an estimated positive revenue benefit of some £523 million compared to initial costs in the region of £400 million. London Economics are a leading European economic consultancy firm specialising in the provision of high quality research in public policy, competition and regulatory economics
3. The full enrol for free policy paper, first published in March 2009, can be found at here. When launched earlier this year, enrol for free received the backing of the University and College Union, and the National Union of Students.
4. For more information please contact Victoria Mills on 0207 7171659 or 07900 277819