Investment in English language courses needed to support immigrants

Greater investment in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses is key to supporting immigrants, says UCU.

The union was responding to the publication of the all-party parliamentary group on social integration's report which called for compulsory English language classes for immigrants.

UCU highlighted that this government has cut budgets for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses by more than half in recent years. As a result, courses across the country have been forced to close.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'Substantial cuts have seen ESOL classes up and down the country forced to close, depriving immigrants of the opportunity to learn English.

'Only by resurrecting ESOL courses with decent investment can we hope to encourage language learning for immigrants and improve integration and social cohesion in 21^st century Britain.'