Walthamstow Labour Party believes strongly in the need for proper public funding for langauge training for speakers of other langauges.

On behalf of Party members, I took tthe CLPs concerns to Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell pointing out how it would impact on our community and and the ability of new Walthamstow residents, particularly women,  to participate in community life and find work. I also contacted Paul Mackney at the University and Colleges Union, who thanks our CLP for its stance on this issue.

I launched a petition in June with the help of our Assembly Member Jennette Arnold with whom I am  working on this issue

There is an e-version, which I hope you will sign, at the following link:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/EnglishTraining/index.html

It reads:

We believe the ability to read, write and speak English is an essential basic skill for all workers in the UK and recognise that many migrant workers, including those who are highly qualified, need basic training in English.
Being supported in English language skills is vital to ensure that those who choose to come to London can make their contribution in the workplace and play an active role in the community. We are concerned that funding for training in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is due to be cut back at the end of this academic year. The Government wants employers to fund this training but there is no mechanism to ensure they do so. We call on the Government to reinstate appropriate funding for ESOL learning, particularly for those least able to afford to pay for their own training.