Call For Further College Funding

Students and lecturers will gather at the Scottish Parliament later to call for more funding for colleges.

Members of the EIS say centres need to be properly supported after being one of the hardest hit parts of education during austerity measures.

There have been large cuts in recent years with 17 fewer colleges operating in Scotland in order to save £50million, with 130,000 less students, and a reduction of 600 staff.

EIS Further Education Lecturers' Association President John Kelly said: “This EIS-FELA lobby is an important event that will highlight the serious detrimental impact of austerity cuts on learning and teaching in Scotland’s colleges.

"I urge lecturers, staff, students and supporters of quality Further Education provision to join us at Holyrood to make the case for a better deal for colleges, lecturers and students.”

The union says the aim of the rally is to highlight to all MSPs the importance of the Further Education Sector to Scotland’s economic future and to call for colleges to be better funded.

General Secretary Larry Flanagan added: “The college sector has been one of the hardest-hit sectors of education during the period of enforced austerity.

"This has seen lecturing jobs cut, fewer courses, student places and support slashed. It is time for action to ensure that colleges are properly supported.”