Demand Led Learning Is Sleight Of Hand

Delegates to next weeks Trades Union Congress being held in Liverpool will be told that the concept of  demand led learning is government sleight of hand. AMiE partner ACM will argue that demand for learning is not the same as need for learning, and that for those who are disadvantaged and lack skills, public subsidy is necessary to turn need into demand.

The congress will be urged to call on government to give colleges the flexibility and discretion to respond to local needs.

Tom Wilson, the recently appointed director of the TUC’s UnionLearn, previews the congress on FENews.co.uk.

Limit On Week’s Pay Increasing to £380

From 1 October 2009, the limit on a week’s pay for the purposes of calculating a statutory redundancy payment will rise from £350 to £380.

This increase will also apply to a wide range of employment tribunal awards – calculated using a week’s pay.

As this change is taking place in October rather than  February 2010, there will be no change to the limit on a week’s pay next year.

Any non-contractual redudancy pay calculations where notice is given on or after 1 October will need to reflect the new rates.

TUC Welcomes Jobs Guarantee For Young People

Responding to the expansion of the Government’s Jobs Guarantee today (Wednesday) to young people who have been unemployed for ten months, as part of the Backing Young Britain campaign, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

“This is fantastic news for the many young people who are in desperate need of work.

“In previous recessions many young people have been left on the scrapheap. Today’s announcement shows the Government is committed to not letting this happen again.

“Demand will be high so it’s good to see so many places already on offer. The Government must also ensure that any new opportunities provide access to real jobs, offering good prospects and a decent wage.

“As a signatory to Backing Young Britain, the TUC will continue to encourage businesses to take on more young people, both as employees and as apprentices.

“We expect the Jobs Guarantee to be a huge success and the Government should consider extending it to anyone who has been out of work for over a year.”