Inez Teece

Local Government Conference condemned cuts to the Further Education sector throughout the UK and strongly supported campaigns in Scotland and Cymru Wales, and in the rest of the country for improved funding, no job loss and to stop and reverse privatisation.

Moving the motion for Scotland, Regional Delegate Inez Teece told delegates of the 30% funding cuts in Scotland and the loss of 1000 jobs, with savings coming mainly from “backroom staff.”

“These job losses, many of which have been compulsory redundancies, are having a dramatic effect on the services provided, which in turn lead to the lowering of the standards of education and the choices available to those seeking education and training in such difficult economic times.

“Merging colleges again reduces choice,” added Inez

Inez warned that although National Bargaining is now in place in Scotland, something the union campaigned for, there are concerns that the excuse of budget cuts will be used to cut terms and conditions. That was why it was so important to keep campaigning and to work with communities to highlight the importance of further education for our society and our future.

“We need to ensure that resources are in place so that we can all work together,” said Inez.