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16 Dec 2009 16:38:35
University of Bedfordshire Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE has welcomed the promise of education, training or work to avoid unemployment among young people.
He was speaking as chair of the think-tank million+ following publication of the Department for Work and Pensions (DPW) white paper Building Britain's Recovery, Achieving Full Employment.
The paper restates the Government’s response to the recession and signals the start of the programme to return to full employment.
Professor Ebdon 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 (HEFCE) 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 for 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.”
For more information about the DWP white paper: Building Britain's Recovery, Achieving Full Employment visit: www.dwp.gov.uk/buildingbritainsrecovery
Latest news» 2009» December» Vice Chancellor welcomes promise of investment
