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Jobseekers under threat as language course loses £380k funds

Hundreds of jobseekers unable to speak English are set to lose out after a college providing language training lost more than £350,000 of funding - leading to fears unemployment in the area could rocket.

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Walsall Adult and Community College (WACC) has had its ESOL Plus Mandation Fund completely withdrawn by the Government.

Bosses say it will mean them losing out on £380,000, and as a result hundreds of people will no longer be able to access the language course.

Jobseekers whose first language is not English are currently offered help through the scheme, with many directed to the college through the job centre.

The college said the number of people that the course could be provided would have to be halved following the cut. Around 500 people took the course last year.

Principal Jev Bhalla said losing the funding was a huge blow.

"Our roots lie in the community and that's what makes us different. We are very close to community needs and clearly there is a big need in Walsall for speakers of another language," he said.

"There was a pot of money that the Government has decided to cease. It's disappointing from because it is an imperative ingredient for immobilising people to work."

Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz has called on the Government to reverse the decision and has raised the issue with the leader of the House of Commons.

She believes the move will only lead to increase in unemployment among people whose first language is not English.

She said: "It is difficult to see how jobseekers in my constituency whose first language is not English are going to be able to find employment without the English Language tuition provided by WACC through the ESOL Plus Mandation. WACC has a proud history of serving its community but this decision has the potential to limit its offer and impact."

"It is right to expect people to try to integrate into society, to find work and to learn English, but we must also ensure people have the support they need to do so. I hope the Government will reverse this decision."

Mr Bhalla said he was grateful for the MPs' support but believes the Government will not change its mind, and has instead turned his attention to raising funds locally to try and help the college reach the number of people it has previously.

He said: "I don't see it being received from central government. They have made their decision, it's gone. The future now is raising funds and awareness locally."

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