Unions stand up for ESOL

Following a storm of protest, the government has announced that it will continue to provide some free courses in English for speakers of other languages (ESOL).

The free training was to have been withdrawn from August for all except unemployed people and those on benefits (see Workplace Report, February 2007), but unions pointed out that English skills are vital for maintaining health and safety standards at work and protecting migrant workers from severe exploitation.

The government is also to hold talks on the role of employers in providing and financing ESOL training for their workers.