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Press Release

PAT WELCOMES EDUCATION SECRETARY’S RECOGNITION OF FURTHER EDUCATION

7 June 2006

The Professional Association of Teachers (PAT) has welcomed comments by Education Secretary Alan Johnson on the importance of further education but called for greater investment in the sector.

PAT General Secretary Philip Parkin said: “PAT welcomes the Education Secretary’s comments. PAT has long advocated parity between ‘vocational’ and ‘academic’ qualifications and called for much greater recognition of the vital role FE colleges play in the economy and post-16 education.

"However, ‘talking up’ the sector is one thing, backing it with cash and action is another.

“The Government must do more to educate education school leavers, adult learners and business about what further education has to offer.

“Funding is a major issue too. Colleges face problems of under-funding at a time of increased expectations. Many colleges are being forced to make significant cuts to course provision and are making staff redundant because of funding cuts.

“Unless the DfES takes action to boost the pay and career prospects of college staff, to bring them in line with colleagues in secondary schools, these positive words will be meaningless.

“Lecturers in England are paid considerably less than secondary school teachers. Fair pay is necessary to boost staff recruitment, retention and motivation. Pay disparities need to be resolved to create true professional parity between FE lecturers and school teachers.

“PAT has been pressing the Government to tackle this unfair disparity in funding. The DfES needs to look to the settlement in Welsh colleges (http://www.fforwm.ac.uk/2283.html) where efforts have been made to improve pay levels."



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