Date: 30 March 2011

‘No funding, no future’ says UNISON Scotland as colleges protest against cuts

No funding – no future’ that’s the message from UNISON Scotland today as college staff across the country take to the streets to protest against the cuts.

Colleges throughout Scotland will take part in a day of action today (Wednesday, March 30) to raise public awareness of the extent of Government’s cuts to further education.

Scotland’s colleges face a 10.4% cut in their funding from the Scottish Funding Council, which will have a devastating impact on staff, students and entire communities.

College bosses have already indicated that this will lead to a loss of courses, a loss of staff and, in turn, a loss of educational opportunities for students.

Karen Dawson, chair of UNISON’s further education committee, said:

“These cuts will have a devastating impact on both colleges and communities and the worst of it is that these are just the tip of the iceberg.

“These cuts will not only destroy our colleges, it will steal the future of an entire generation of students.”

Emma Phillips, regional organiser with UNISON, said:

“The Government must rethink its savage cuts or thousands of Scotland’s students will be left facing a bleak future.

“It is vital that Scotland has an educated and skilled workforce and to achieve this we need to invest in education, not cut it.”

ENDS

Note to editors

UNISON is Scotland’s largest union. For more information on our campaign to protect public services visit: www.unison-scotland.org.uk/publicworks.

For further information contact

Karen Dawson, Chair of UNISON’s FE Committee on 07739 960042 or
Emma Phillips, regional organiser for UNISON, on 07538 101 221

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