LECTURERS at Bolton College are urging the Government to rethink plans to cut funding for English classes for adults—saying it will be women and the town’s most vulnerable people who will lose out.

Under proposed cutbacks, previously free adult education classes will have to be paid for, unless the student is claiming job seekers allowance or employment support allowance.

Lecturer Helen Dickson says the new proposals will mean students will not be able to afford the cost of learning English.

She added: “Our department did a questionnaire which shows about 70 per cent of our learners who currently don’t have to pay will have to. Many will not be able to afford the cost.

“Some of our students receive tax credits and are on very low income with rising costs, so they will not be able to come.”

The college has about 1,000 people on the English for Speakers of Other Languages Course, of which 68 per cent are women.

Ms Dickson said: “Many women who attend say they do it because they want to help their children with their homework and get a job. Children do better if parents get involved with their schoolwork.”

The issue will be highlighted next month during Adult Learners Week.

The campaign has won the backing of Bolton South East MP Yasmin Quereshi, who has signed an Early Day Motion which states that speaking English helps to contribute to public and economic life and to build inclusive and cohesive communities.

In a letter she says: “The college is looking at ways it can support learners who will have to co-fund their courses, many of whom are willing to contribute but who will struggle to meet 50 per cent of the cost.”

Ms Dickson said the more MPs who sign the Early Day Motion, the greater chance the issue will be debated in Parliament.