UK: English UK releases election manifesto

Published 04/12/2019

English language teaching trade association English UK has released a manifesto of steps it wants the incoming government to take to support the £1.4 billion sector.

The association said the 550,000 ELT students who come to the UK each year support over 35,000 jobs.

“UK ELT faces increasing competition”

“They are also more likely to choose UK universities, and later go on to become influencers for us, supporting good diplomatic and trading relationships,” English UK explained.

“UK ELT faces increasing competition...in other English-speaking countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, Ireland and Malta, the sector is officially supported by immigration rules and warm words of welcome,” reads the manifesto.

There is also a risk that Brexit may deter students coming from the EU if it becomes more difficult to obtain permission to enter the UK.”

As the national association for UK ELT, English UK said its members are working to ensure the industry can compete and grow.

“But we need the incoming government to create a supportive immigration regime and make students feel welcome,” the manifesto continued.

The manifesto has eight points it wants the new government to address:

“We spend a lot of time listening to our members, and the manifesto is based on what they tell us they need to help our industry thrive,” said Susan Young, English UK’s press relations manager.

“UK ELT is innovative, with a global reputation for quality and care for under-18s.

“But in a maturing industry, and with over 60% of our students coming from the EU and EEA, we need the government to do more at a time when Brexit risks deterring many Europeans from travelling to us,” Young added.

The full manifesto can be read here.

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