UNISONActive is an unofficial blog produced by UNISON activists for UNISON activists. Bringing news, briefings and events from a progressive left perspective.

Tuesday 11 January 2011

Save the EMA‏

UNISON is supporting tonight’s (6PM) public meeting in the House of Commons in protest at the axing of the education maintenance allowance (EMA). The meeting is organised by the Save EMA campaign, the National Union of Students, NUT and other education unions.

The EMA is a payments scheme for 16 to 19 year old students from low income families who stay in education. Dave Prentis said “cutting the EMA is a false economy. These young people need that extra help to allow them to continue in education. Many come from the poorest and most vulnerable backgrounds and deserve all the support they can get to give them a fair chance at finding work…these savage cuts can only lead to a lost generation and bulging dole queues.” http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=2109