Home > News > September 2005 > 19-Sep-2005

Learning and Skills Council to cut 1,300 jobs

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has announced proposals to cut 1300 jobs as part of a programme to save £40m. The proposed reorganisation would see staffing levels reduce from 4700 to 3400.

The LSC said the savings would be redirected to learners.

Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, said: "These cuts will bring devastation to the delivery of vocational courses, apprenticeships and adult learning, seriously undermining the governments skills agenda. Following hot on the heels of 800 job losses 18 months ago these proposals will seriously damage the LSC's ability to administer and distribute its £9 billion budget in a transparent and accountable way."

The LSC funds education and training for over 16-year-olds in England. It operates through 47 local offices and a national office in Coventry.

Mark Haysom, chief executive of the LSC said: "Much has been achieved since the LSC was created in 2001 - more young people in learning than ever before, record numbers of apprentices, more than 800,000 adults improving their basic skills and better working with employers through programmes such as the Employer Training Pilots. But, it's not enough.

"The LSC is capable of doing much more - and it is capable of doing it more efficiently and effectively. We want to develop new, less bureaucratic and more strategic relationships with partners to ensure better quality and more relevant training for employers and individuals. The LSC must make itself easier to deal with as an organisation, and ensure that every penny works hard for the taxpayer.

"I am acutely aware of the impact that this announcement will have on staff throughout the LSC. Over the coming weeks we will discuss these proposals with the union, other staff representatives, local councils and partner organisations. From these discussions we will be able to plan the best way forward."

Bill Rammell, minister of state for higher education and lifelong learning said: "Today's announcement by the Learning and Skills Council is an essential part of its agenda for change programme to deliver post -16 education more effectively on the ground for colleges, learning providers and students. It is also about ensuring that savings in running costs can be redirected to provide extra frontline services.

"This Government will continue to drive up participation and standards through the LSC. Delivery of teaching and learning can be enhanced by concentrating activities regionally where they can be done better at that level. A stronger local focus too on the relationships with providers themselves is crucial for the best allocation of funds for learners.

"I recognise the impact of these changes on the staff affected, who work hard for the LSC. I expect the LSC to manage these changes on the basis of best practice in industrial relations; to consult fully with Trades Unions and to offer redundancy on a voluntary basis where that is possible. Where this is not possible, redeployment opportunities should be investigated fully, consistent with Cabinet office guidelines."

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Learning and Skills Council

Public and Commercial Services Union

Department for Education and Skills

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