Raising fees for students is ‘detrimental’ to the economy, says
Unite
11 July 2011
The dangers of the coalition’s policies for higher education are
‘very real’ and ‘extremely detrimental’ for future economic growth,
Unite, the largest union in the country, has told MPs.
In its submission to the House of Commons business, innovation,
and skills select committee Unite said that the coalition’s
policies flow from a mindset that views higher education as
primarily having a financial benefit for the individual, rather
than appreciating the wider economic benefits of higher
education.
Unite said that research had shown that for every £1 invested in
higher education, the economy expands by £2.60.
With students currently graduating with record levels of debts -
averaging £23,000 - Unite proposes two alternatives for raising the
necessary finance:
- A graduate tax or national insurance premium payable by
employers who take on graduates; or
- Transferring of the outstanding student loan to employers with
a 25 year repayment period.
The submission said: ”The increase in student fees - and shift of
the financial burden of education to the individual - ignores the
wider societal and economic benefits of education and will
detrimentally affect access to education.“
And Unite warns that real terms cuts in resources for scientific
research could damage the UK’s growth potential if it leads to less
innovation and reduced investment in skills and training in the
future.
Unite said: ”The government is damaging the long term future of
higher education for short term political ideology.”
ENDS
Notes to news editors:
For further information please contact Unite national officer
for Education, Mike Robinson, on 07768 931284 and/or Unite
communications officer, Shaun Noble, on 07768 693940
