Consolidate - don't disrupt further education's success, says UCU

'If it ain't broke, don't keep fixing it' was the message from the union, which represents lecturers in FE colleges.

Success rates in the FE sector increased dramatically in 2005-06, beating a number of government targets. Figures released today by the Learning and Skills Council show that the success rate target for FE colleges has been passed two years early, with rates increasing by 2 percentage points to 77 per cent in 2005-06, which exceeds the LSC's target of achieving a 76 per cent success rate by 2007/08.

UCU joint general secretary Paul Mackney said: 'The real story is the hard work put in by dedicated lecturers. It would be appreciated if Ministers and their agencies (eg, the LSC) would give credit where credit is due, and thank lecturers who have done the work.

'A key factor in this success has been the implementation of UCU proposals for more permanent contractual arrangements and better training for teachers.

'There is a danger that current changes prepared by the government will mean a greater proportion of temporary teachers and poor quality private provision which will undo the good work.

'FE is a success story. It needs funding not fixing, and some further consideration of its direction not more experiments.'