million+ welcomes investment to avoid unemployment but warns against fining universities

Commenting on the DWP white paper: Building Britain’s Recovery, Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire said: “This Investment and the promise of education, training or work to avoid unemployment among young people is very welcome. I would also like to see JobCentre Plus Personal Advisers fully briefed about the opportunities available in higher education and the Government to guarantee a funded place for all those who are qualified and want to study at university in 2010. To maximise opportunities we must encourage progression routes for those on Job Seekers Allowance and in part-time work into higher education.

“However, it would be ridiculous for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to plough ahead with proposals to fine universities and the Higher Education Funding Council for any over-recruitment in 2009. If these students had not gone to university there would have been an even bigger call on the benefits budget of the Department of Work and Pensions. Fining universities and Hefce would simply be robbing Peter to pay Paul. It makes no sense when we are working hard with Government to maximise opportunities for students and graduates and avoid the effects of unemployment’

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. For more information about the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) white paper: Building Britain’s Recovery, Achieving Full Employment” visit: www.dwp.gov.uk/buildingbritainsrecovery

3. For more information, comment or interviews please contact Victoria Mills on 0207 7171655 or 07900 277819