Oxford MP joins fight back against massive college cuts

The cuts will see college budgets slashed by an average of 17%. However, because of protections on apprenticeship funding, the budget for other types of adult learning will be cut by up to 24%.

The MP said he was concerned that the cuts would stop people who had missed out on education at school getting the skills they now needed to help themselves and the economy. UCU said that funding for adult skills had already fallen by 35% since 2009 and the latest cuts would be a devastating blow for further education.

Andrew Smith MP said: 'I am very concerned that these cuts will hit the education and training opportunities of people who are returning to learn, especially many who missed out first time round. We should be helping people get qualifications which will help their own future, as well as society as a whole.'

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt said: 'These latest cuts are a devastating blow to colleges and risk decimating further education. We have real concerns that the government's plans could be the final nail in the coffin for the types of courses people want to study as a springboard for improving their skills or just to try and get back into work.'

Almost 20,000 people have so far signed a petition opposing the cuts.