Save ESOL
‘Save ESOL’ – National Day of Action, Wednesday 19th September
The NUS Black Student’s Campaign and NUS Further Education Campaign are encouraging all students to get involved the campaign to ‘Save ESOL’. Many students at FE colleges are migrant workers who need training in English, so that they are aware of their rights and can make a full and positive contribution to society. The government has decided to restrict free access to ESOL courses, which will have a devastating impact on migrant communities learning English, disproportionately affecting the lowest paid and most vulnerable sections of society. The take-up of ESOL has risen in recent years and in many cases demand exceeds supply. The changes to ESOL funding mean that for many people with ESOL needs, the cost of paying for courses will shift from the public purse to individuals, unless employers make a contribution. The government thinks employers and migrant worker agencies should pay but there is no mechanism in place to ensure they do.
NUS is calling all students to contact their local UCU branch, and help mobilise as many students as possible for the Day of Action on Wednesday the 19th of September. There are a number of things planned including: ‘ Teach-outs’, protests and public meetings. UCU have produced a campaign tool-kit with ideas on how to win the arguments on your campus and tips to lobby your MP.
To download the tool-kit at the UCU website.
For more information about the ESOL campaign and how you can get involved, please feel free to get in touch.
Yours in unity,
Ruqayyah Collector
NUS Black Students’ Officer
Beth Walker
NUS Vice President (Further Education)
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