The latest labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics for May to September (www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/lms/labour-market-statistics/september-2014/statistical-bulletin.html) show significant falls in unemployment amongst 16-24 years – down to 747 000 (16.6%) from 960 000 (12%) a year ago and from 853 000 over the last quarter. Amongst those between 18-24 year who are not in full-time … Continue reading More young people now working. But in what and for what?
Author: Martin Allen
More on Apprenticeships…….
Apprenticeship numbers continue to fall. Postscript to Another Great Training Robbery? @ https://radicaledbks.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/postscript3.pdf
Reshuffling education policy: the new vocationalism
Patrick Ainley 11 September 2014 Open Democracy https://www.opendemocracy.net/patrick-ainley/reshuffling-education-policy-new-vocationalism A liberal approach in neo-liberal times means learning about work and not just learning to work. Westminster remains stuck in a rut of recycling failed ideas entirely unsuited to its economic model of low wage, low skill work. Earlier this summer education secretary Michael Gove was pushed … Continue reading Reshuffling education policy: the new vocationalism
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Tristram Hunt and ‘Two Nation’ Labour.
Vocational education is supposed to improve work and employment skills, but many of the vocational courses developed in schools and colleges after the collapse of industrial apprenticeships in the 1970s have not offered real opportunities for young people in the labour market. Instead, a succession of vocational courses and qualifications were introduced, lasted a few … Continue reading Tristram Hunt and ‘Two Nation’ Labour.
Book Review: The People, The Rise and Fall of the Working Class 1910-2010
Patrick Ainley When Eric Hobsbawm asked in 1978 whether the forward march of labour had halted, he was calling attention to a possible political reversal, not bidding Farewell to the Working Class as Andre Gorz did two years later. More recently, Guy Standing in 2011 proposed the birth of The Precariat, a ‘dangerous new class’ … Continue reading Book Review: The People, The Rise and Fall of the Working Class 1910-2010
The high growth – low wage puzzle.
The fact that the relatively high overall growth of the UK economy has not led to a corresponding increase in wages – the latest ONS figures now showing real wages are falling (http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/lms/labour-market-statistics/august-2014/index.html) – has perplexed policy makers and, for the moment at least, put a brake on an interest rate hike. Wages excluding bonuses … Continue reading The high growth – low wage puzzle.
A-level of uncertainty
Another year of university ‘clearing’ swings into gear; but it now takes a very different form compared to when originally established to help those who had missed out on their grades having a second opportunity to gain a place elsewhere. Despite tuition fee hikes and Coalition members continuing to ‘talk up’ failing apprenticeships as an … Continue reading A-level of uncertainty
David Willetts last desperate proposals
Patrick Ainley David Willetts jumped before he was pushed by resigning from the Cabinet along with Michael Gove who was dismissed in Cameron’s cosmetic reshuffle. They won’t be back – Willetts hopes for a job in Europe while Gove may be editing the Daily Mail after May. Together Willetts and Gove attempted a Great Reversal … Continue reading David Willetts last desperate proposals
The piper(s) may have gone, but the tune remains the same?
As another difficult academic year draws to a close, it goes without saying that Michael Gove’s departure will be greeted euphorically by teachers and campaigners, particularly those who have focussed almost entirely on the ex-Secretary of State’s combative style, abrasive manner and other personal inadequacies. He may continue play a key role ‘at the heart … Continue reading The piper(s) may have gone, but the tune remains the same?
Education, Economy and Society 