UCU: Cuts and LGBT support in FE

Motion

Motion text: Conference notes:
1. decreasing access to education through EMA removal. Rising tuition fees and loans for FE courses can only exacerbate this.
2. due to homophobic bullying at school many LGBT students participate in FE and are disproportionately affected by increased barriers to participation
3. strong evidence that LGBT people generally are hit disproportionately by austerity measures. Yet most cuts have still to be implemented
4. support organisations report rapidly increasing referrals due to rising unemployment, homelessness and stress.

Conference calls on FEC to support branches and equality reps in:
a. pressing management to monitor their staff and students in regard to sexual orientation and gender identity
b. insisting that employers clearly evidence how they have due regard for equality in policies and practices
c. ensuring that LGBT interests and concerns are raised through training and awareness events
d. ensuring that all staff are made aware of LGBT support organisations.