ALP welcomes Welfare to Work changes

The Association of Learning Providers (ALP) has responded positively to the announcement that the private and third sectors will play a much larger role in helping bring the unemployed back into the workplace.

The government intends to tip the balance of funding from the taxpayer towards the individual and employer, who will also benefit as their employees are trained to the highest standards.

ALP chief executive Graham Hoyle welcomed the changes and encouraged employers to invest in skills during the difficult economic climate.

“ALP is pleased that private and third sector providers have been earmarked to play a major role in helping people back to work,” said Mr Hoyle.

“It is important though that ministers recognise the importance of skills training in enabling individuals to hold on to new jobs and progress within them.”

According to Government figures, in September there were around 1,470,000 people in Britain claiming out-of-work benefits. This was up by 5,300 on the previous month.

The welfare to work changes came as the highly-anticipated Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) was unveiled by George Osborne, the chancellor.
Across the board, further education faces a 25% cut (£1.1 billion), with Train to Gain being scrapped, EMA replaced, and funding to help non-English speakers learn the language also abolished.

However, 75,000 apprenticeship places are to be created, and there will also be a boost to science and research.
Mr Hoyle said he was not surprised by some of the cuts in spending outlined by the CSR.

“The end of Train to Gain was not unexpected, but it is important that ministers recognise that some continued investment in other work based adult skills training is necessary to help sustain the recovery,” he said.

Mark Astley