Adults with poor skills are to be paid to study
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More than 100,000 adults who lack literacy and numeracy skills will be paid up to £30 a week to go back to college under a government blueprint to be unveiled tomorrow.
More than 100,000 adults who lack literacy and numeracy skills will be paid up to £30 a week to go back to college under a government blueprint to be unveiled tomorrow.
The plan is part of an attempt to cut the alarming illiteracy rate in Britain which has led to an estimated seven million adults lacking basic maths, English or IT skills. Only Poland has a higher illiteracy rate in a survey of 30 Western nations.
The means-tested scheme, based on the existing education maintenance allowance plan which gives 16- to 19-year-olds from poor homes a similar amount if they continue in full-time education, is to be proposed in a White Paper on improving skills to be published tomorrow.
Leaders of colleges estimate that more than 100,000 adults will take advantage of the scheme.
The Government will also give a new entitlement to free learning to all adults with low basic skills - although not everyone will be eligible for the new grants on top. Free tuition will be available to all those who leave school without five top grade GCSE passes or their vocational equivalent.
In addition, ministers are offering a similar entitlement to 19- to 30-year-olds seeking to obtain higher level skills - the equivalent of two A-levels.
John Brennan, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, which represents further education and sixth-form colleges, said of grants: "They do encourage more students to come in."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments