Summary
siMon Jenkins seems to view London's student "horde" with a degree of distaste; no wonder, then, that he welcomes with such enthusiasm the CBi proposals to cut back student numbers by increasing fees. But his case is a catalogue of poor reasoning.
Labour's much-maligned 50 per cent access target is certainly achievable -- Britain has been quickly overtaken by other countries in this regard, and we will suffer if we continue to ignore the need to invest in this most crucial of resources. What better alternative to the prospect of a "lost generation" of unemployed youth than to extend education? Jenkins's suggestion that student workers will replenish a labour market deserted by Poles is risible: the jobs are gone. Paying fees means borrowing. does Jenkins really think that massive debt will provide no disincentive to applying to university in the current economic climate? Fees already deter those less well off, increase drop-out rates and impair the ability of students to concentrate on study. More fees only mean those better able to pay will face the higher bill with equanimity. Ben Levitas, goldsmiths, University of London.See the full content of this document
Extract
Students -- A Crucial Resource
Many of my London friends have dropped out of university courses as they find the ...
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