UCU responds to spending review

The union said that further education funding had already suffered more than its fair share of cuts and said that the sector needs a strong and sustainable funding solution rather than an extension of loans to those aged 19 and over.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'Today's statement clearly recognised the importance of education at all levels to the success of our economy, but the chancellor's main funding solution appears to be extending loans and loading more debt onto students.

'This approach will lead to the poorest paying most for their education. Take-up of further education loans in particular has been sluggish to date, so asking younger students to take on loans is a risky move for the sector.

'Instead, we need to see a strong and sustainable system of public funding put in place which ensures that education remains accessible to those who need it, and that cost is not a barrier to anyone fulfilling their potential.'