Latest figures show importance of funding for English classes

According to statistics released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), people in England and Wales who do not speak English well are less likely to have qualifications or be in work.

People aged 16-64 who spoke English 'not well' or 'not at all' had an employment rate of just 48.3%, compared to a rate of 65.4% for people who spoke English 'well' or 'very well'. People with English as their main language had an employment rate 71.9%.

Economically inactive people who spoke English 'well' or 'very well' were four times more likely to be students (45.1%) compared to people who spoke English 'not well' or 'not at all' (11.2%). They were also five times more likely (34.5%) to have been educated to degree level than people who spoke English 'not well' or 'not at all' (7.6%).

UCU said as well as the economic case for funding classes for people who do not have English as their first language, a recent international skills survey showed that people with lower levels of skills reported poorer health and less civil engagement.

The union added that access to English courses was absolutely vital if people were to get on in life. UCU said rules governing eligibility for language courses, coupled with funding cuts, risked leaving some people unable to improve their English.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'Today's figures make the economic case for more people learning English, we need to the government to ensure proper funding is available.

'Access to English classes for migrants should be a top priority for ministers. People need to develop their language skills they need to contribute to our society and economy. However, we need more of a carrot than a stick approach and a proper understanding of what works best for people who most need to learn English.'