ESOL for All: Free English Classes for Migrants

ESOL for all: free English classes for migrants

Repeated cuts to funding and new restrictions on who can access classes have led to thousands of people being cut off from learning English, and the situation is getting worse.

This summer, government made another cut to ESOL, removing funding for jobseekers to improve their English. The cut was made during the summer holidays and has led to more classes being cut and teachers losing work.

Asylum seekers can’t access free ESOL classes for the first six months. New cuts mean many low paid workers and their families cannot access free classes. Without ESOL people's health and wellbeing is at risk: being able to communicate is vital for playing a full part in society.

FE college teachers and staff have been under attack as shrinking resources for adult education meet the attacks on migrant rights. Other providers of English classes including councils, charities and voluntary organisations are not able to meet the demand for classes and are themselves facing funding crises. There are also increased requirements to police immigration status in many areas, including education.

ESOL should be funded for all who want it, regardless of immigration status or income.

Join the Lobby!  Meet at 12 noon Join in the Parliament Lobby! Square  Lobby Meet your at 12MP noon from in 1-3pm Parliament in Square Committee Lobby your Room MP 10 from 1-3pm in  SpeakersCommittee include Room Shadow 10 Chancellor John Speakers McDonnell, include UCU Shadow President Chancellor Liz LawrenceJohn McDonnell, and ESOL studentsUCU President Liz Lawrence and ESOL students ESOL for all: free English classes for migrants

Repeated cuts to funding and new restrictions on who can access classes have led to thousands of people being cut off from learning English, and the situation is getting worse.

This summer, government made another cut to ESOL, removing funding for jobseekers to improve their English. The cut was made during the summer holidays and has led to more classes being cut and teachers losing work.

Asylum seekers can’t access free ESOL classes for the first six months. New cuts mean many low paid workers and their families cannot access free classes. Without ESOL people's health and wellbeing is at risk: being able to communicate is vital for playing a full part in society.

FE college teachers and staff have been under attack as shrinking resources for adult education meet the attacks on migrant rights. Other providers of English classes including councils, charities and voluntary organisations are not able to meet the demand for classes and are themselves facing funding crises. There are also increased requirements to police immigration status in many areas, including education.

ESOL should be funded for all who want it, regardless of immigration status or income.