Jane Lethbridge and Patrick Ainley Business Faculty, University of Greenwich This Green paper is an indicative draft for discussion, a think-piece for staff and students at a university confronting the crisis of Tertiary Education with proposals presenting Green policy solutions. Introduction Tertiary Education (TE) is in crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic impacting upon … Continue reading THE COVID-19 CRISIS AND THE FUTURE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION, A GREEN PAPER
What price the Covid Generation?
Martin Allen & Patrick Ainley (presentation to Socialist Education Association 26/06/20) Download in Word format Losing out most from the financial crash of 2008 but already referred to as a ‘Lost Generation’ today’s youth, whether they are students or looking for employment will constitute a ‘Covid Generation’ and continue to suffer prolonged disadvantages. Yet the … Continue reading What price the Covid Generation?
Zoomie jobs and Zombie jobs
As a previous post has indicated, the Covid crisis has given new impetus to working from home. https://education-economy-society.com/2020/04/02/theres-no-place-like-home-working-practices-after-the-crisis/ Subsequent findings confirm its increasing popularity. According to UGov (13/05) more than 4 in 10 of the pre-crisis workforce are exclusively working from home (38%), with another 8% now doing so some of the time. Prior to … Continue reading Zoomie jobs and Zombie jobs
Jobless figures: the lull before the storm
Although there are plenty of pointers, yesterday's employment statistics didn't tell us very much about the real effects of the covid crisis on the labour market - and particularly the fate of young people, a new 'Covid Generation' It's been predicted youth unemployment will rise by 600,000. As with figures for unemployment across the population, … Continue reading Jobless figures: the lull before the storm
Boris Johnson’s apprenticeship promise
In some respects, Boris Johnson’s promise of an apprenticeship to every young person is reminiscent of David Cameron’s pledge to create three million new apprenticeships over 5 years. In other respects the circumstances are quite different. Cameron apprenticeship promise was made in the run up to the 2015 election; but now the government is bracing … Continue reading Boris Johnson’s apprenticeship promise
As a new academic year approaches, Scottish parents call for virtual school.
As anxieties grow at the prospect of continued home schooling into the autumn, some Scottish parents are calling for a Scotland-wide virtual school. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/may/31/parents-call-for-virtual-school-for-scottish-pupils Scottish schools are due to reopen in early August, but without a vaccine and with coronavirus being suppressed and contained rather than eliminated, it is difficult to imagine a full return. … Continue reading As a new academic year approaches, Scottish parents call for virtual school.
Despite inequalities in ‘on-line’ and home learning – a different type of school is necessary.
Government is trying to get schools open before the academic year ends. Many Tories have long wanted to open primary schools in particular, so parents can get back to work –so reducing further hits to the economy; but others including the Childrens Commissioner, the Head of Ofsted and some Labour front-benchers, are now increasingly concerned … Continue reading Despite inequalities in ‘on-line’ and home learning – a different type of school is necessary.
HE crisis – more cash but only if there’s ‘restructuring’
Government has agreed to provide ‘stabilisation’ support for the university sector – now plunged into crisis as a result of the potential collapse in overseas student numbers. https://education-economy-society.com/2020/04/27/falls-in-student-numbers-put-universities-in-crisis/ But providing longer term finance is likely to come at a price. According to the Financial Times (07/05) any further support would require a ‘restructuring regime’ aimed … Continue reading HE crisis – more cash but only if there’s ‘restructuring’
40% now dependent on state funding – another step to a basic income?
Using data from government and media outlets, it can be estimated that about 40% of the adult population are now dependent on state funding to survive. For example, over 6 million workers are furloughed, there have been 1.8 million additional claims for universal credit – on top of the pre-crisis figure of well over a … Continue reading 40% now dependent on state funding – another step to a basic income?
Falls in student numbers put universities in crisis.
Faced with a significant fall in student numbers, because of the covid crisis, universities are calling for a government bailout. Research for the University and College Union (UCU), based on the intentions of new students, estimates a £2.5 billion shortfall and 30 000 job losses The report predicts that universities could lose £1.5bn in international … Continue reading Falls in student numbers put universities in crisis.
Education, Economy and Society 