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Boris Johnson has promised to end the "pointless, nonsensical gulf" between university and vocational education, in what he called a "radical" shakeup of funding for post-18 education.

Giving an upbeat speech at Exeter college, Johnson said the Covid-19 pandemic had "massively accelerated" changes in the economy that were already under way, such as the shift to online shopping.

He said adults would need the ability to acquire the "technical know-how" to work in new industries, because "as old types of employment fall away, new opportunities are opening up with dizzying speed".

Johnson, who studied classics at Oxford University, said it was time to end the "pointless nonsensical gulf that's been fixed for more than 100 years between the so-called academic and so-called practical side of education".

"Everything is ultimately a skill," he said.

However, the measures are largely being funded out of the £2.5bn national skills fund announced by the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, in his March budget.

Details of how the fund would be allocated were due to be set out in this autumn's spending review.

The policies announced by the prime minister included a "lifetime skills guarantee", under which every adult without A-levels will be funded to take a college course for "skills that are highly in demand" - something currently only available to under-23s.

Students will also be able to take out loans to cover the cost of further education courses, in the same way as they already can for university degrees.

The prime minister said too many graduates end up in non-graduate jobs, "wondering whether they did the right thing - was it sensible to rack up that debt?"

He stressed the importance of vocational training, saying, "we need those practical skills as a society and as an economy, now more than ever".

He said the pandemic had "painfully exposed," the shortcomings of the UK's labour market and education system, highlighting shortages of lab technicians to process Covid tests, with many coming from overseas.

The speech struck a rare optimistic note, as the prime minister wrestles the challenge of tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, amid an open revolt in his own party.

He defended his handling of the crisis, saying "nobody in their right mind wants to stop people singing and dancing in pubs or enjoying themselves in the normal way" but "we are still in a very serious situation".

He added: "That's what I respectfully say to my colleagues in parliament, and they will have an opportunity to talk about these issues, to debate them and to discuss them, as parliamentarians should".

That appeared to be a hint at a concession to MPs - led by 1922 chair, Sir Graham Brady, and ardent Brexiter Steve Baker - who are calling for more say in future restrictions to control the spread of the virus.

Asked about his own recovery from the virus, the prime minister said his advice was to lose weight - revealing that at one stage he weighed 17st 6lb (110.7kg).

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Boris Johnson announces 'radical' plan to boost vocational training

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Boris Johnson has promised to end the "pointless, nonsensical gulf" between university and vocational education, in what he called a "radical" shakeup of funding for post-18 education. Giving an upbeat speech at Exeter college, Johnson said the Covid-19 pandemic had "massively accelerated" changes in the economy that were already under way, such as the shift to online shopping.

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Dr Paul Phillips is in what he calls "a very difficult situation". Weston College, the further education college he runs in Weston-super-Mare, is facing a big coronavirus-shaped hole in its budget. He needs to spend at least an extra £750,000 on Covid-19 safety adjustments and catch-up courses, but expects his revenue from apprenticeships in industries like tourism, hospitality and construction to drop by up to £2m. "I've got a massive redundancy issue. I'm already restructuring."

The government this month announced a £1bn education catch-up fund to help English pupils get up to speed with what they have missed in school during lockdown, but it decided that no extra money should go to the 16-plus sector.

Now, further education colleges are facing severe financial difficulty and some will not survive the Covid-19 crisis, teachers and college leaders have warned. "Unless the government provides a financial lifeline to colleges next academic year, it is highly likely that some will eventually end up becoming insolvent, and others will have to make significant cutbacks," said Anne Murdoch, college leadership adviser at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).

The government's own commissioner for further education, Richard Atkins, admitted last week that around 30 to 40 colleges are currently "at risk of running out of cash". Speaking to the education select committee, he also warned that colleges' income would be badly damaged by "a potential 50% plus drop in apprenticeships" from the economic slump.

Dr Paul Phillips of Weston College says he is facing a 'massive redundancy issue'.

The coronavirus outbreak has decimated the commercial income of further education colleges, which often let out their facilities for conferences and run services such as restaurants and hair salons, staffed by students. Colleges must also meet all the costs of the extra cleaning and social-distancing measures that will be required in classrooms next year as a result of the pandemic, while also facing a reduction in demand for some vocational courses.

"So many further education courses are attached to industry and jobs. So if there's a collapse in the jobs market, you might see colleges reducing the courses that are on offer to young people," said Niamh Sweeney, spokesperson for the National Education Union. "There's a very weak relationship between the government's industrial strategy and colleges. The government doesn't see that there is a link between good, industrial-related training in colleges and onward employment. This is the biggest industrial slump that the country might ever have and further education is the perfect place to overcome that."

The ASCL said the sector was already desperately short of funding thanks to a decade of austerity and neglect. "There was a funding crisis before the pandemic. The pandemic has just further exaggerated it," said Philips. "I'm worried that we can't survive and deliver high quality provision without extra funding coming into the college and the further education sector."

Last week, the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, admitted that "for decades, we have failed to give further education the investment it deserves". He ditched the "absurd mantra" of wanting half of all young people to go on to higher education and promised to create an employer-led, "German-style" further education system instead, saying: "From now on, our mantra must be further education, further education, further education".

It's time there was an equity of approach - I'm sick and tired of further education being the poor relation.

Dr Paul Phillips, Weston College

He did not announce any new money for the sector. The national funding rate for 16- and 17-year-olds has been frozen at £4,000 per student since 2013. By contrast, the government provides £5,371 in average annual funding per pupil aged 11 to 16 and £9,124 per student in higher education, according to campaigners Raise the Rate. Further education students have not been entitled to the free school meals voucher scheme or the free devices scheme during the lockdown, and further education colleges cannot access the extra funding being provided this term to schools suffering exceptional Covid-19-related costs.

"It's ridiculously unfair. It's time there was an equity of approach between the school academy sector, further education and higher education - I'm sick and tired of further education being the poor relation," says Philips.

A Department for Education spokesperson said the government has provided unprecedented support and claimed they are "providing an additional £400m for college and sixth forms this year and £1.5bn to upgrade college buildings and facilities", as well as additional funding for traineeships.

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Colleges fear closure as coronavirus worsens 16-plus funding crisis

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Dr Paul Phillips is in what he calls "a very difficult situation". Weston College, the further education college he runs in Weston-super-Mare, is facing a big coronavirus-shaped hole in its budget. He needs to spend at least an extra £750,000 on Covid-19 safety adjustments and catch-up courses, but expects his revenue from apprenticeships in industries like tourism, hospitality and construction to drop by up to £2m.

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A Belfast primary school is to close to pupils an hour earlier each day to allow for appropriate cleaning and to help teachers with their workload.

School will end at 14:00 BST for all pupils at Oakwood Integrated Primary in Derriaghy after the October half-term break.

The principal of the 200-pupil school, Claire Howe, thanked parents for their "support and understanding".

The time change affects P4 - P7 pupils, who currently leave school at 15:00.

While many schools in Northern Ireland have sent staff or groups of pupils home to self-isolate after positive Covid-19 cases, some have closed entirely for a number of days.

'Preserving class bubbles'

On Monday, St Comgall's Primary in Bangor announced it was closing for 14 days after several cases of coronavirus were identified, although the school subsequently said on Tuesday that it would reopen on Friday.

In a message to parents, Ms Howe said Oakwood had already introduced staggered start and finish times in the school.

"Staff continue to provide an exemplary standard of teaching, learning and commitment, whilst observing a strict adherence to the class and staff bubbles, social distancing and strict cleaning routines," she said.

"In order to minimise transmission by preserving class bubbles, there have been no changeover classes since our return on 24 August 2020.

"This has meant that while P1 to P3 teachers have had non-contact time to complete their additional duties such as marking, preparation and classroom set-up, P4 to P7 teachers have not.

"This has created a severe pressure as teachers have an hour, from 15:00 - 16:00 each afternoon to mark, prep pupils' books and set up classrooms for the following day," she added.

Bangor school first to close for 14 days over Covid

Schools to get new guidance on Covid cases

Covid-19 cases recorded in 64 NI schools

Ms Howe said teachers had to leave the school by 16:00 each day in order for the required level of cleaning to take place so that pupils could attend school.

"Due to the pressure this places on teachers, and the potential impact on their ability to continue to provide the level of teaching that the school, and you as parents expect, this is not a scenario that can continue on a long term basis," she said.

"Therefore, after the October 2020, mid-term break, the school day will begin with a staggered start between 8:45 and 9:00 and end at 13:45 for all P1 to P3 pupils and their siblings and 14:00 for all other pupils," she added.

BBC News NI contacted Oakwood Integrated Primary but they did not make any further comment.

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Primary school to close early each day for cleaning

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A Belfast primary school is to close to pupils an hour earlier each day to allow for appropriate cleaning and to help teachers with their workload. School will end at 14:00 BST for all pupils at Oakwood Integrated Primary in Derriaghy after the October half-term break.

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What do we mean by a 'private candidate'?

Students may study for a qualification independently of a school or college for a number of reasons. Some of these may include:

resitting exams (e.g. to achieve a higher grade)

sitting an exam outside of their school or college (e.g. if a particular qualification is not offered)

home educated

mature students (e.g. taking distance learning courses)

those studying outside of a school or college for another reason

Some students will be working with a recognised distance learning provider who can provide a tutored course and help with exam entry, but others will be working independently possibly through self study or with private tutors. These students have to make their own arrangements to enter for the exams and do so as private candidates.

What are my options?
If you received a centre assessed grade (CAG) this year

If your awarded grade was lower than your CAG, it will have been adjusted back to your CAG - contact the centre that submitted your grade to check this.

If you did not meet your firm choice offer conditions, but your revised CAG means you now meet those conditions, and you would still like to go there, contact them directly to discuss your options. Where possible, they may be able to offer you a place on your original course, on an alternative course, or for deferred place.

If you have already confirmed a place you are happy with, you don't need to do anything else.

If you are unhappy with your CAG result, speak to the centre that submitted your grade, and they will check it for you. Read more information about appeals this year.

If you did not receive a centre assessed grade (CAG) this year
Not all private candidates were able to provide evidence about their attainment in order to receive a CAG. If your original offer was dependent on you meeting certain conditions, there are several options open to you:

Speak to the uni: Contact your firm choice to discuss your circumstances - wherever possible they will try to be flexible when considering your application.

Consider your insurance offer: If you are unable to secure a place at your first choice, your insurance option may be able to offer you a place instead.

Explore options available in Clearing: There are thousands of courses available - use our search tool to find something new. Make a shortlist of unis and speak to them to see if they will accept you. Read more about applying to university through Clearing.

Sit the exam: Students in England may sit the exam in October - this will be too late for an autumn start but it's worth checking with the uni to see if there is a later start date available. Alternatively, you may sit the exams in summer 2021. Speak to your centre for details.

Defer entry: Some unis may be able to accept you for a deferred entry in 2021, either by extending their current offer to allow you to meet the conditions later, or as you are. Think about how you might spend the time constructively - such as additional study or work experience. Get more advice on taking a gap year.

Consider a distance learning course: if attending a physical university is not important to you, it's worth exploring online learning options, where entry requirements may be more flexible - find out more about online learning.

Explore apprenticeships: Earn a salary while you study and have your course fees paid by your employer and the Government. Visit our apprenticeship hub to find out more and look for vacancies.

Consider alternative options: Like taking an internship, gap year or going straight into the world of work. Find out more about the different options available to you.

How are universities supporting private candidates this year?

Each university sets its own entry requirements, and want to make sure that students are a good fit for their university and will succeed on the course. Their policies on considering applications from private candidates may vary, and applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. It's always a good idea to speak to the uni directly about your individual circumstances.

To help universities support private candidates this year, UCAS has developed good practice guidance to help them identify private candidates and support them. Here, we have asked universities to be as flexible as possible, and to consider the following when making decisions about private candidates this year:

Understand the applicant's individual circumstances.

Check the qualification(s) being studied privately and consider whether the applicant can be accepted without it. For some professional courses, a student must have taken certain qualifications to be allowed onto the course.

Take into account any existing qualifications.

Assess the candidate independently to determine their suitability.

Offer an alternative pathway - such as a different course or route.

Read UCAS' good practice considerations for supporting private candidates during COVID-19.

Universities UK, which represents higher education providers around the UK, has confirmed that universities are committed to being as flexible as possible and are doing what they can to work through these issues.

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Advice for private candidates - summer 2020

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Changes to the way results were awarded this year has meant some private candidates have not been able to receive a grade this year. Below, we offer advice on your options and explain how universities are working to help independent applicants this year.

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The Guardian, London, United Kingdom. 8.4M likes. The world's leading liberal voice, since 1821

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Summer exams will come too late to start learning useful lessons from Covid but we don't have to wait that long, write Natalie Perera and John Moore

The Covid-19 pandemic is arguably the biggest post-war challenge this country has faced. While the road to full recovery still seems a long way off, schools up and down the country have been working tirelessly to support pupils.

But steep challenges remain - most children have already lost almost five months of formal schooling and the risk of further lockdowns and disruption still looms large. Disadvantaged children, who were already over a year and a half behind their peers by the end of secondary, are likely to have suffered the most. Evidence from the Institute for Fiscal Studies finds that they were less likely to have access to digital resources and online teaching during the lockdown. Combined with existing evidence about the impact of school closures, the Education Endowment Foundation suggests that the disadvantage gap could widen by over a third this year.

We cannot afford to wait until pupils sit formal exams next year to truly understand the impact of lost learning. That is why the Education Policy Institute and Renaissance Learning - the providers of Star Assessments - will be working to analyse data in as close to real time as possible.

The project will analyse large scale data gained from Star Assessments across the country - sat by over one million children every year, with tens if not hundreds of thousands in each year group - to understand better what it tells us about pupil attainment this year. By comparing attainment among different groups of pupils to that of their peers at a similar stage in previous years, we will be able to get a picture of Covid-specific disruption, and account for any trends in performance that are not related to disruption caused by the pandemic

We won't need to provide additional tests to schools

We will look at data at three points in the year - in autumn, spring and summer - to measure the progress that pupils make this year and how that compares with previous cohorts. And we will supplement this analysis with a survey of Star customer schools to learn more about how they responded to Covid. By acquiring information about approaches schools are taking - and how they are supporting pupils to catch up - we will be building the evidence base in this crucial policy area and learn vital lessons for potential repeated disruption, both from this pandemic and from any other instances which result in an interruption to learning.

The advantage of our approach is that we won't need to provide additional tests to schools, and nor will we cause any extra workload for pupils and staff. We will also be able to use the longitudinal data to establish just what is happening, and what is just rumour.

The research will answer questions such as: have particular groups of pupils been disproportionately affected? Are there disparities across different year groups? To what extent are pupils making up for lost time in education? Have regional differences emerged, or differences based on the types of schools which pupils attend? Where future regional lockdowns may take place, what is the impact and what previous interventions seem to have the most impact? And importantly, what might be the long-term implications of this time out of school and can we see signs of recovery?

We plan to produce results early next academic year - long enough to have seen the impact over a whole year, but soon enough that we can work with the department and school leaders across the country to take the action that is needed.
Renaissance Learning UK and the Education Policy Institute are working together on a DfE-funded project exploring whether and how learning loss due to Covid in English schools is recovered over the academic year

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Covid: We need data on learning loss and we need it fast

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Summer exams will come too late to start learning useful lessons from Covid but we don't have to wait that long, write Natalie Perera and John Moore The Covid-19 pandemic is arguably the biggest post-war challenge this country has faced.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has blamed a "mutant algorithm" for this summer's exam results fiasco.

"I am afraid your grades were almost derailed by a mutant algorithm and I know how stressful that must have been," Mr Johnson told pupils at a school in Leicestershire.

In the fall-out from the exam problems, the Department for Education's permanent secretary has stepped down.

If follows the resignation of the head of Ofqual on Tuesday.

The National Education Union called Mr Johnson's comments "brazen" and accused the prime minister of trying to "idly shrug away a disaster that his own government created".

A statement on the departure of the permanent secretary, Jonathan Slater, said "the prime minister has concluded that there is a need for fresh official leadership" at the department.

The role as the department's most senior civil servant will be taken on in an interim basis by Susan Acland-Hood.

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Johnson blames 'mutant algorithm' for exam fiasco

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has blamed a "mutant algorithm" for this summer's exam results fiasco. "I am afraid your grades were almost derailed by a mutant algorithm and I know how stressful that must have been," Mr Johnson told pupils at a school in Leicestershire.

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England's exams regulator, Ofqual, says it warned the government of the risk of widespread dissatisfaction with its emergency grading system.

Chairman Roger Taylor told MPs there were good reasons to attempt it, including fairness between schools and continuity from year to year.

But he said other options could have been used, such as delaying exams or using school-issued certificates.

Many A-levels were downgraded after schools' estimates were standardised.

After problems emerged with this moderation process, A-level and GCSE grades were withdrawn in a last-minute U-turn, causing chaos in university and college admissions and confusion for students.

Instead results were based on estimates submitted by schools - and Ofqual's chief regulator, Sally Collier, resigned.

'Valid mock?'

Mr Taylor, who was giving evidence to the Commons Education Select Committee, defended Ofqual's approach, saying it was trying to carry out ministerial guidelines.

He argued that using a standardised model was advantageous to disadvantaged pupils on the whole.

The Ofqual chairman told MPs that he and other officials repeatedly stressed that the Department for Education were warned repeatedly of risks in the system.

Julie Swann, Ofqual's executive director for general qualifications, said a paper on May 1 "highlighted the risk of widespread dissatisfaction" with the grades to be awarded from students, schools and colleges.

Mr Taylor, also revealed Ofqual guidance on using "valid mock" exam results to widen the appeals process, was removed from the Ofqual website after an intervention from England's education secretary.

Mr Williamson had decided to allow what he described as "valid mocks" to be used in appeals, after a standardisation process - using a now discredited algorithm that had lowered around 40% of A-levels from the grades submitted by teachers.

Mr Taylor said Mr Williamson telephoned the chief regulator, Sally Collier, late on a Saturday night, August 15, after Ofqual published new appeals guidance, saying it was not consistent with the education secretary's policy.

Ofqual had been trying to formulate a way for such appeals to work, while meeting its statutory duty to ensure exams were fair.

Mr Taylor said the board then met in emergency session to try to find a way through a situation which was rapidly "spinning out of control".

"We advised the Secretary of State at this point that we could not be confident that this could be delivered within the statutory duties of Ofqual to ensure that valid and trustworthy grades were being issued."

'Exams U-turn'

Discussions followed throughout Sunday, in which it became clear that a move to "centre assessed grades", which had been submitted by schools and colleges, was all but inevitable.

Mr Williamson went on to announce that results would use these centre assessed grades in a major U-turn.

The Ofqual chairman told MPs they had been consulted by the Department for Education on the implications of cancelling exams back in March.

At this point, Ofqual said there were four options:

to delay exams until the virus crisis passed

conduct socially distanced exams

use some form of teacher and school-assessed certificates

or to combine school-based assessments with the standardisation model that was eventually used.

Mr Taylor said Mr Williamson made the announcement that exams were being cancelled without coming back to Ofqual.

The committee heard Ofqual had been concerned that many students would be upset with their grades, as they had not sat any examination and the regulator thought it would be very difficult to win public support for the replacements.

'Mutant algorithm?'

On the algorithm used for grades, this was developed by Ofqual working with technical experts from the exam boards/

When asked when it "mutated" by committee member Ian Mearns, in reference to prime ministers Boris Johnson's description of it to students last week, Ms Swan said it had not.

Mr Taylor insisted standardisation via the algorithm was fairer to candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds, and his officials said its accuracy had been shown to be 90% in testing.

He added: "Once the decision has been taken to cancel exams, it's very difficult to find a solution."

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Ofqual warned public would not trust exam grades

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England's exams regulator, Ofqual, says it warned the government of the risk of widespread dissatisfaction with its emergency grading system. Chairman Roger Taylor told MPs there were good reasons to attempt it, including fairness between schools and continuity from year to year.

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Thousands of apprentices are "stuck in limbo" as awarding bodies struggle to adapt their functional skills assessments in the face of Covid-19, training providers have warned.

Leaders of providers, who say they cannot physically visit some of their work-based learners to invigilate their tests especially in the care and health sectors, have described the situation as "heart-breaking" and a "kick in the teeth" for those who are waiting for the exam in order to complete their programme.

Calls have been made for Ofqual to revert to centre-assessed grades for these qualifications but the regulator has rejected the plea and stressed that it is down to awarding bodies to come up with a solution.

One apprentice told FE Week that she feels "frustrated" and "disadvantaged" by the bureaucracy, while another said the delay is causing him "additional stress".

The Federation of Awarding Bodies has defended its members, insisting that "we need to remember the unprecedented summer just gone" before criticising exam boards.

After this summer's exam series was cancelled in March due to the pandemic, Ofqual moved to a system of teacher-calculated grades for functional skills qualifications.

But since August 1, 2020, the regulator has banned the use of centre-assessed grades for all vocational and technical qualifications, including functional skills.

All functional skills exams must now either be sat in the traditional manner, or awarding bodies must adapt their assessment arrangements to mitigate any impact of the pandemic.

But coming up with an adapted assessment solution for all affected learners has become an issue for some awarding bodies. Many apprentices are being instructed to work from home in line with government guidelines and are being instructed not to travel to centres for exams due to risk of spreading Covid-19.

Some workplaces that are open will not allow assessors to visit as their employees are having to use all available space which is restricted because of social distancing and safety measures.

The Association of Employment and Learning Providers estimates that tens of thousands of functional skills exams, mostly for apprentices but also for some learners funded by the adult education budget, could be delayed from now until Christmas as a result.

In her update to members this week, AELP managing director Jane Hickie said the delays are "due to a lack of access to workplace settings, learners working from home and some awarding organisations being behind the curve on being able to provide a technology solution, including a lack of proctoring".

She added that with a "fresh lockdown coming, this is just going to squeeze access and deliverability even more".

'I feel frustrated and disadvantaged'

Jill Whittaker, the managing director of independent provider HIT Training, told FE Week that she has 360 apprentices who cannot achieve by the end of October as planned, and another 560 who will not be able to achieve by the end of the calendar year owing to these issues.

The majority are in hospitality, care, early years and NHS settings which Whittaker says are all "unable to facilitate being completed in the workplace due to social distancing, and the potential spread of Covid causing a risk to staff, customers, care users".

Both of the awarding bodies that HIT Training work with to deliver functional skills do not "have a solution in place right now", Whittaker said, adding that this is "damaging to progression, confidence and achievement".

She also warned: "Ultimately without an extension to flexibilities, learners will leave the programme, not achieve and it will unnecessarily damage their future prospects at a time when the job market is fragile to say the least."

Max Turton (pictured top left with his manager Josh Bird) is training towards a level 2 food and beverage service apprenticeship with HIT at The Eagle and Child Inn in Bury but has had his functional skills exam delayed for over a month now.

"It's causing me additional stress," he told FE Week. "My trainer Andy has been really supportive and is helping to keep me motivated but things feel like they are starting to drag on a lot further as I don't know when I can go through my gateway."

Jacqui Oughton, managing director of private provider Ixion Holdings, said she has almost 250 learners waiting to sit their functional skills exams in sectors such as health and social care and construction.

One of them is Lisa Jones, a level 3 lead adult care worker apprentice at The Oaks Residential Care Home in Upminster, Essex.

She told FE Week: "I feel frustrated and disadvantaged that I am being held up in completing my functional skills qualifications because of bureaucracy. I understand we are not letting people into the home but surely there are alternative solutions that can be used to allow me to complete my functional skills exams."

Oughton said it is "essential that all contributory bodies recognise the impact this is having and they need to put themselves in the shoes of those learners who are trying to progress and listen to the frustrations and tears that we are getting from people who are trying to secure their futures".

Nichola Hay, chief executive of Estio Training, joined Whittaker, Oughton and the AELP in calling on Ofqual to return to centre-assessed grades for functional skills, warning that the response from awarding bodies and government "has not been quick enough".

'We are working as hard and as quickly as possible to get this resolved'

An Ofqual spokesperson said that since August, awarding organisations have provided functional skills assessments "as normal" for the "majority of learners" and that over 17,000 "live" assessments have taken place.

While a spokesperson confirmed that the regulator is "aware that some learners are facing challenges in taking assessments in their work setting due to coronavirus", they do "not intend to extend the earlier provision of calculated results for functional skills qualifications".

Awarding organisations are "working with training providers to put in place arrangements for those learners to access alternative venues or undertake remote assessments," Ofqual added.

One of those awarding bodies is City & Guilds, which had announced they were set to roll out functional skills tests to be sat at home prior to lockdown.

But the organisation was forced to divert its resource into dealing with the exams fiasco throughout the summer. The at-home tests are still being worked on, but there is no date for their rollout.

David Phillips, City & Guilds' managing director, said his organisation is "working hard to find additional delivery options as quickly as possible and are currently testing a number of remote invigilation options".

"We are also assessing the possibility of opening some functional skills test centres across the country," he added. "We understand completely how frustrating this is for learners and apprentices who are affected, and I would like to assure them all we are working as hard and as quickly as possible to get this resolved."

Phillips stressed that despite some learners being affected, "many learners and apprentices are still able to take their functional skills qualifications as usual, using a range of methods, including online E-volve tests, remote assessment of speaking, listening and communicating and by taking tests at their employer's premises if their workplace is accessible".

Pearson has also been able to offer adapted online assessment for some of its functional skills learners. For those where this has not been possible, the awarding body is currently working on other options to offer individual centres, including an "online proctoring solution" and scheduling socially distanced exams.

A spokesperson for NCFE said it has amended its assessment variation process to allow for additional and adapted delivery arrangements, which are already available for their paper-based and online offer. The awarding body is also working on a "remote invigilation solution" which they hope to launch at the end of October.

Tom Bewick, chief executive of the Federation of Awarding Bodies, said: "Before people start criticising awarding organisations, we need to remember the unprecedented summer just gone. The government's U-turn on the A-level algorithm and the eleventh-hour decision to use centre-assessed grades placed a massive resource load on an already stretched system.

"Staff worked night and day to get results out so learners could progress. Inevitably, along with Covid restrictions, this issue has caused some difficult knock-on effects, including a short-term challenge around the issuing of functional skills results.

"Awarding organisations continue to innovate by moving assessments online, for example, by adopting a model of secure remote invigilation. What we need from the regulator is flexibility and pragmatism as we look to ensure that no functional skills learner is disadvantaged."

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Apprentices stuck in limbo as Covid hits functional skills tests

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Thousands of apprentices are "stuck in limbo" as awarding bodies struggle to adapt their functional skills assessments in the face of Covid-19, training providers have warned.

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Covid-19 has changed the business strategies and operations of many firms in the advice sector.

Working from home used to mean offering some flexibility to employees, but has now become the only way in which companies can continue to operate.

That's all great and well for people in established jobs, who have experience.

But what about those just starting out?

Recently, International Adviser discussed how viable working from home is in the long-term.

In this article, we take a look at how academies have adapted to a covid world.

Training

The big question when training financial advisers is whether face-to-face contact is vital for education and progression?

Claire Limon, director of learning and acquisition at Openwork, said: "We have found that while the new normal has its challenges, it has also presented opportunities and we are delighted with the way in which at Openwork, our programmes have continued with minimal disruption throughout the pandemic."

Justine Paul, head of adviser learning at Sesame Bankhall Group, said: "It's best practice for any firm recruiting a new adviser, whether inexperienced or experienced, to undertake a competency-based or strengths-based interview.

"This will help to ascertain how they are going to fit into the business and support customers. It will also be useful in helping to identify any development needs they may have.

"Of course, technology means that face-to-face meetings are possible today without physically being in the same room, and the advice profession has become far more effective at establishing and managing relationships remotely."

Shaun Godfrey, head of academy marketing and engagement at the St. James's Place Academy, said: "Remote interviews are not necessarily a 'new' phenomenon and would be conducted if location or logistics prevented a face-to-face meet.

"In future, it's likely the selection process for advisers will involve a combination of virtual and face-to-face interactions, making it more flexible and allowing for changes in working patterns and practices. This will also offer candidates the opportunities to showcase their skills and attributes in a variety of ways."

Give confidence

Academies have been set up to give prospective advisers technical knowledge.

But, with the lack of a hands-on approach, will they have the confidence to go it alone after they are qualified?

Paul said: "Training should be considered as a long-term development plan, rather than simply just the achievement of a qualification and attendance on an induction programme.

"Inexperienced advisers also need to be given opportunities to work alongside experienced advisers in all areas of the advice journey. This will help them to gain exposure to as many different advice scenarios as possible.

"True confidence comes from an awareness of one's own level of knowledge, skills and range of experience. In addition, direct supervision, good coaching, and outcome-oriented feedback has an important role to play in building confidence and mitigating risks."

Godfrey added: "Covid-19 has prompted many businesses to integrate technology to upscale and accelerate learning and continue to deliver training sessions.

"An upside of the crisis has been that people have had more time to dedicate to their own development and training, and virtual sessions have been well-attended throughout this period. We have created and delivered webinars which focus on various core development needs, such as the technical skills, soft skills and transferrable skills required to adapt rapidly to industry changes."

Proficiency in face-to-face communication

The importance of technology has placed more emphasis away from face-to-face, so could this mean newly-qualified advisers will lack proficiency in in-person communication?

Openwork's Limon said: "This is an interesting question. For some years now, many Openwork advisers have been conducting meetings with clients both face to face and online. We find that many clients have very busy schedules, are often in different parts of the world and therefore, place great value on the online service.

"We use this experience to inform our development programmes which means that our advisers are able to offer clients a financial planning service tailored to their requirements, within any pandemic restrictions of course."

Godfrey said: "The core skills for advisers, therefore, remain the same as before; focused on building close relationships with clients, applying expertise and judgement, analysing information, deciding and initiating action, presenting and communicating information, entrepreneurial and commercial thinking, and setting personal work aims and objectives.

"But it's now more important that advisers are able to use a variety of mediums to deliver the regular contact and a personal service that clients expect. This might be through face-to-face interaction, through video conferencing and virtual meetings, presenting on virtual stages in webinars, and integrating technology and tools to make practical efficiencies on a day-to-day basis."

Can academies survive in the post-covid world?

The academies have adapted to the situation well, but is it viable for them to train advisers in this distanced way in the long-term?

Limon said: "More than ever before, the key to success is the capacity and desire to adapt quickly and frequently. The Openwork academy has evolved over a number of years and I expect this to continue. I think that complacency is the greatest threat to thriving in the future.

"I don't believe any progressive business can thrive, let alone survive, by standing-still or settling for the current set up."

SJP's Godfrey added: "We will be continuing to attract people who wish to develop a new career as a financial planner, for some considerable time.

"The core reason we set up the academy, was the continuing reduction in the number of qualified advisers, the rationale of why we started hasn't changed."

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How have adviser academies been affected by pandemic?

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Covid-19 has changed the business strategies and operations of many firms in the advice sector. Working from home used to mean offering some flexibility to employees, but has now become the only way in which companies can continue to operate. That's all great and well for people in established jobs, who have experience.

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But, according to this analysis, schools in poor areas will gain less than schools in more affluent areas from the government's education spending plans, leaving them "badly placed" to help their pupils catch-up on learning lost during lockdown.

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Schools in poorer areas lack catch-up cash

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But, according to this analysis, schools in poor areas will gain less than schools in more affluent areas from the government's education spending plans, leaving them "badly placed" to help their pupils catch-up on learning lost during lockdown.

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The Guardian, London, United Kingdom. 8.4M likes. The world's leading liberal voice, since 1821

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Students should not be made "scapegoats" for a wave of Covid outbreaks, says a lecturers' leader.

Jo Grady of the UCU university staff union said it was the "completely predictable" outcome of encouraging large numbers of students to return.

With universities in England starting term, she called for students to be able to study online from home.

The Department for Education says it is supporting universities to have a mix of online and face-to-face teaching.

In a further Covid outbreak, 1,700 students in two accommodation blocks at Manchester Metropolitan University have been told to stay in isolation for 14 days, after about 100 students tested positive.

'Irresponsible'

The lecturers' union questioned the point of "encouraging students to come to university to self-isolate for a fortnight".

Dr Grady said tough restrictions on students in Scotland and increasing warnings for students in England did not mean outbreaks were a consequence of "reckless behaviour" by students.

Instead she said outbreaks were the result of universities pushing for "massive numbers" of students to come back to campuses for the "university experience" and to sign up for accommodation.

"As far as I'm concerned, they were mis-sold," Dr Grady told the BBC.

She said it was "irresponsible" of universities to have been "luring students back on the basis that they can have a social life at university and that they can have face-to-face teaching".

Rather than bringing back more students in England, she said more teaching should be put online and students should be able to study from home.

Cancelling accommodation

"I think there has to be an alternative to keeping students locked in absurdly expensive accommodation, rather than having them at home," said Dr Grady.

She called for students to be released from their housing contracts and for a way for them to be able to make a safe way home.

Dr Grady warned of an increasingly chaotic situation in universities and criticised the response of not letting students return home from their university accommodation.

She said this was based on a "boarding school" perception of university life, adding that it might be important for some students to be able to go home, for instance if they were homesick or living with people who they did not like or felt threatened by.

Dr Grady wants universities to reduce face-to-face teaching, but said some universities were only doing it "surreptitiously", because of fears "their nearest competitor isn't doing it".

Most universities were expecting to deliver lectures online, but it is also thought some seminars could be "live and interactive" but delivered online.

Liverpool Hope and Liverpool John Moores are among those that have publicly moved more teaching online.

Universities UK says it us up to each individual university to decide how they will bring back students and whether they will switch to online lessons.

The Department for Education said it was working with universities and Public Health England on any measures needed to respond to Covid outbreaks.

"Protecting students' education and wellbeing is vital, so we are supporting universities to continue delivering a blend of online and face-to-face learning where possible in a Covid-secure way," said a department spokeswoman.

"As with other essential services, education staff should continue to go into work where necessary."

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'Don't scapegoat students over Covid outbreaks'

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Students should not be made "scapegoats" for a wave of Covid outbreaks, says a lecturers' leader. Jo Grady of the UCU university staff union said it was the "completely predictable" outcome of encouraging large numbers of students to return. With universities in England starting term, she called for students to be able to study online from home.

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Students in Scotland are being told not to go to pubs, parties or restaurants this weekend in a bid to stem a spate of coronavirus outbreaks.

Hundreds of university students have tested positive at campuses across the country, with many more self-isolating.

Universities have now pledged to make it "absolutely clear" to students that there must be no parties.

And they will not be allowed to socialise with anyone outside of their accommodation.

Students have also been warned that any breaches of the new rules "will not be tolerated".

The stricter guidelines were announced after opposition leaders accused First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of a "basic failure" to anticipate the problem and provide more testing on university campuses.

'Commercial income'

However they have been criticised by the National Union of Students Scotland as "unjustified"and "deeply concerning".

President Matt Crilly said it was especially concerning for students who relied on income from hospitality jobs, and showed "complete disregard" for their mental health and wellbeing.

Mary Senior, of the University and College Union, said she was "absolutely astounded" by the announcement, saying the outbreaks were "inevitable".

Speaking on BBC Good Morning Scotland she questioned the motives of universities in bringing students back to campus, pointing out that student accommodation "provides important commercial income for universities" and "cross subsidies teaching".

Meanwhile the Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland has raised concerns about the "human rights implications" of the restrictions.

Universities Scotland said the new guidance that had been agreed with the Scottish government was a "necessary step at this crucial moment of managing the virus in the student population, to protect students and the wider community".

The new rules state that all universities will "make absolutely clear to students that there must be no parties, and no socialising outside their households".

They go on to say: "This weekend, the first of the new tighter Scottish government guidance, we will require students to avoid all socialising outside of their households and outside of their accommodation.

"We will ask them not to go to bars or other hospitality venues."

Extra staff will be brought into student accommodation to watch for any breaches of the guidance and to support students who are self-isolating.

Later Universities Scotland denied the move amounted to a ban but admitted it was a "big ask".

And Nicola Sturgeon clarified that the rules about avoiding hospitality applied only to this weekend.

'We're getting punished for living here'

One Glasgow University student, Elise, told BBC Scotland that she was angry at the new rules imposing strict restrictions on their social lives.

The first-year student is currently isolating at Murano Street halls, after one of her flatmates tested positive.

She described the new restrictions as "quite ridiculous" and said it was wrong to pin the blame on students for spreading the virus.

She asked why the university told them to move into the halls when they could have followed their online courses from home.

"We were told to come to university halls - 48 people from across the country in one building- it was inevitable that it was going to spread," she said.

"We are getting punished for just living here but we were told to come.

"There's no reason for us to be here because everything is online."

Another student at the Murano halls asked how the requirement not to go to pubs was going to be policed.

"Will there be officers going up to students and asking if they are students?

"We are isolating so we won't be going to pubs anyway but what about those students who are fine? It's a depressing and bleak situation."

Police Scotland will also be monitoring student behaviour off-campus and in private accommodation.

And private providers of student accommodation will also be urged to strictly enforce the guidance.

Students will also be required to download the Protect Scotland app.

The guidance warns: "We will take a strict 'Yellow Card/Red Card' approach to breaches of student discipline that put students and others at risk.

"While we first want to advise students about breaches of discipline, we will not hesitate to escalate this to disciplinary action including potential discontinuation of study."

In a Twitter message directed at students, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was sorry Covid was "making this special time of your lives so tough".

"But it won't be forever and the more we get this virus back under control now, the sooner you'll get a bit of normality back," she said.

Several universities across the country are dealing with major outbreaks of the virus, with many students in halls of residence in Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh all being told to self-isolate.

A total of 172 Glasgow University students have so far tested positive, with 600 in isolation, while all 500 residents at the Parker House halls in Dundee have been told to quarantine.

And 120 cases have been identified in an outbreak at Edinburgh Napier University.

Opposition parties have argued that the Scottish government should have been better prepared for outbreaks when university students returned for the new term.

Ms Sturgeon has said the number of positive cases at universities was likely to increase, but claimed this showed that the test and protect system "is working, and we must continue to have confidence in that".

She urged students to follow the latest guidance and said she was sorry that the pandemic was "making this special time of your lives so tough".

Life for university students was already very different this term.

Most students were already set to learn mostly online, but the university experience is a social one as much as an academic one.

Perhaps the most significant move is to appeal to students not to visit bar or hospitality venues.

Ultimately students who break the rules on campus or in university accommodation face expulsion.

However, universities know they also have to appeal to the individual's sense of responsibility and common sense.

It will still be a big ask. Homesick students won't usually be able to go back inside the family home they lived in until a few weeks ago.

Starting university can be a difficult experience - a student may not like their course or may find it hard to live away from home or make new friends.

This year it will be even tougher so for that reason, it will be more important than ever to consider the wellbeing and mental health of students.
Are you a student in Scotland? What are your views about banning students from going to pubs? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk .
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Students in Scotland told not to go to pubs

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Students in Scotland are being told not to go to pubs, parties or restaurants this weekend in a bid to stem a spate of coronavirus outbreaks. Hundreds of university students have tested positive at campuses across the country, with many more self-isolating.

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Students at Manchester Metropolitan University are isolating after more than 100 tested positive for Covid-19.

More than 1,700 students have been told to self-isolate. One told the BBC the situation had "left morale really low".

A university spokesman said disciplinary action will be taken against any breaches.

Separately, students in Scotland were told not to go to pubs, parties or restaurants this weekend to stem the spread of the virus.

Police were called to break up several parties at the University of Edinburgh's main hall of residence on Friday night.

Some students in Pollock Halls of Residence at the University of Edinburgh have also been told to "lockdown" because of a confirmed case of the virus.

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Student Covid outbreak has 'left morale pretty low'

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Students at Manchester Metropolitan University are isolating after more than 100 tested positive for Covid-19. More than 1,700 students have been told to self-isolate. One told the BBC the situation had "left morale really low". A university spokesman said disciplinary action will be taken against any breaches.

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"I feel as if this pandemic has truly left me with nothing job wise," says 19-year old Jack Smith from North East Scotland.

"I know I must sound like I'm playing a small violin for myself, but frankly I have more than enough time on my hands and literally nothing to do."

Jack has always dreamed of running his own events company, planning weddings, parties and conferences. And at the start of the year he'd lined up work experience at a local events firm, as well as with a company in Australia.

Then the pandemic hit and that all fell through. He has also been laid off from his part-time job after being on furlough.

"I feel as if I shouldn't be complaining as much people have it a lot worse, losing their jobs that support their families, homes and livelihoods," he says.

"But in terms of my personal confidence and mental health, I have truly never felt worse."

Confidence knocked

He is not alone. More than one in three young people say they have lost hope of getting their dream job because of coronavirus, the Prince's Trust has said.

The charity said a survey of 2,000 people aged 16 to 25 across the UK showed 44% had lower aspirations for the future as a result of the pandemic.

Its UK chief executive, Jonathan Townsend, said the pandemic had eroded young people's confidence.

The charity said action was needed to prevent a "lost generation".

According to the research, carried out by Censuswide, 41% of young people believe their future goals now seem "impossible to achieve", with this rising to 50% of those surveyed from poorer backgrounds.

More than a third of young people, 38%, feel they will "never succeed in life". This rises to 48% of those from poorer homes.

Other findings included:

More than a quarter (28%) believe they will have to "take any job I can get"

More than one in three (35%) believe they will have to "give up my dream job for any job"

Some 43% of young people say, "I expect I'll never have a job I really love." This rises to 55% for those from poorer backgrounds

And 45% of young people say they will have to take a lower paid job just to "make ends meet".

'I think trains will always be relied on'

Not everyone has been so unlucky. Pete White from Bristol is succeeding in making his mark in one of the industries that has been hardest hit by the pandemic - rail transport.

Pete is a rail dispatcher and dreams of becoming a train driver. Before the pandemic, he was accepted on to Great Western Railway's training programme for drivers, but the pandemic led to a lengthy hold-up.

"I was resigned to it not happening this year, maybe even not next year," he said. "There's been a very substantial drop in people using public transport and that put a question mark over it."

Finally he got word that the programme was starting up again and has been going to classes for the past week. But with fewer people travelling by train as a result of the pandemic, the rail landscape is looking rather different these days.

Pete is undaunted, however. "We rely on many different modes of transport and I don't see that changing," he says.

"We're all finding our way round a new world, but I think trains will always be relied on."

'Aspiration gap'

Mr Townsend said the findings showed that the pandemic had done more than disrupt vital education, training and job opportunities for young people.

"It has eroded their confidence in their future, to a point where some feel they won't ever be able to succeed in life," he added.

"We have an aspiration gap, with young people losing hope for the future and, sadly, those from disadvantaged backgrounds being hardest hit."

He called on government, charities and employers to act "to ensure the odds don't stay stacked against these young people".

"We must support them to upskill, retrain and access job opportunities, or else we risk losing their ambition and potential to long-term unemployment - to the detriment of their future and to the recovery of our economy."

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'This pandemic has left me with nothing job wise'

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"I feel as if this pandemic has truly left me with nothing job wise," says 19-year old Jack Smith from North East Scotland. "I know I must sound like I'm playing a small violin for myself, but frankly I have more than enough time on my hands and literally nothing to do."

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Students have spoken of their worry and confusion at being locked down in their university halls, in a situation described by unions as "shambolic".

Up to 1,700 students at Manchester Metropolitan University and hundreds at other institutions, including in Edinburgh and Glasgow, are self-isolating following Covid-19 outbreaks.

In Manchester, students are being prevented from leaving by security.

Universities UK said the wellbeing of students was "the first priority".

Robert Halfon, the conservative chairman of the Education Select Committee, said 3,000 students were in lockdown at universities from Dundee to Exeter.

He called for the government and its scientific advisers to reassure students and families by setting out the policy for England - and warned having students in lockdown at Christmas would cause "huge anguish".

Mr Halfon said universities should also consider discounts to students who were not being taught face-to-face.

Manchester Met said it had introduced a 14-day self-isolation period at its accommodation at Birley and Cambridge Halls after 127 students tested positive for the virus.

Some students there said they were getting ready to go out on Friday night when they looked outside to see security guards and police, who told them they could not leave.

First-year Joe Byrne said: "We have had no warning, support or advice from the university about how we get food etc, and instead have been left completely in the dark and practically locked up against our will."

Megan Tingey said she was not contacted by the university about the lockdown before police turned up outside her Birley Vine accommodation.

"It was quite scary and confusing," she said. "No one's really told us much and then the police turn up as well with security outside."

Another student, Ellie Jackson, told BBC News she had read about the halls lockdown in the local newspaper before receiving an email about it - and stressed the need for "more guidance" from the university.

For Ellie, it is the second period of self-isolation she and her five housemates have had to undertake.

"My course is all online - I haven't even been into university," she said. "I could have done this at home. I don't think it's worth the money at the moment."

In a statement, Manchester Met said it had communicated with students "as soon as we could but it was not possible to give significant advanced notice due to the requirement to implement the isolation almost immediately".

"The communications we sent included details about how to access food and other provisions and we have been working with other partners, including local supermarkets, throughout the day to provide additional support," the statement said.

"Our security teams will increase patrols to support the lockdown and we will take disciplinary action against any students found to have breached requirements."

Meanwhile, students across all of Scotland have been told not to go to pubs, parties or restaurants over the weekend and Universities Scotland has said students who socialise with anyone outside of their household risk losing their place at university.

Hundreds of students are isolating at Glasgow University because of two coronavirus clusters.

The university said it would offer a four-week rent rebate to all students in university residences in recognition of the "difficult circumstances" under which they were living.

It said those students would also be given £50 each to spend on food and it would invite local mobile food outlets to come to residences.

Reese Chamberlain, an international student at the University of Edinburgh, said his entire block at Holland House was "locked down" after a student tested positive.

"The situation is dire," he said. "I already self-isolated when I arrived here and even then it was so difficult getting basic supplies."

He said there had been an "exodus of students" during the night on Friday, with more than 50 leaving the building.

A spokesperson for the university said it was "not asking for whole halls of student accommodation to self-isolate" but there were currently "a small number of positive cases" and the university was providing care and support to those self-isolating.

University and College Union general secretary Jo Grady described the lockdown at Manchester Met as "the latest catastrophe in a week where wholly predictable - and predicted - Covid outbreaks have caused havoc".

There was "no point encouraging students to come to university to self-isolate for a fortnight", she added.

And the National Union of Students (NUS) said students should be able to return to their families because being "trapped" in university accommodation would only add to their anxiety at an already difficult time.

It called for universities to support students with food deliveries and provide access to mental health services.

"We must remember this is happening because the government and universities told students to return to campus and this shambolic situation now demands flexibility," the union said.

Students "must be able to leave rental contracts, access online learning or defer, and do what it takes to prioritise their safety", the statement added.

The Department for Education said the government was working closely with universities in England to ensure they were prepared for the return of students.

A spokesman said: "Students should follow the latest health advice, just like the wider public, which means they should stay at university in the event that they have symptoms; have to isolate; there are additional restrictions imposed locally; or there is an outbreak on campus or in their accommodation."

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said students were "not to blame" for coronavirus outbreaks but backed universities taking disciplinary action as a "last resort" against those who broke the rules.

Universities UK, which represents 139 institutions, said the health and wellbeing of students, staff and local communities was the first priority for universities, which would continue to follow government guidance.
How are the rules affecting you? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803

Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay

Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

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Students 'scared and confused' as halls lock down

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Students have spoken of their worry and confusion at being locked down in their university halls, in a situation described by unions as "shambolic". Up to 1,700 students at Manchester Metropolitan University and hundreds at other institutions, including in Edinburgh and Glasgow, are self-isolating following Covid-19 outbreaks.

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The government should promise university students that they will be allowed to return home for Christmas, Labour has said.

Shadow education secretary Kate Green said it was "unthinkable" that students could continue to be locked in halls and unable to see their families.

Thousands of students are currently in lockdown at universities across the UK after coronavirus outbreaks.

The Department for Education said it was working closely with universities.

Earlier this week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to rule out a ban on students returning home at Christmas, but added: "I don't want to have a situation like that and I very much hope we can avoid it."

He was responding to a question about concerns that students were spreading Covid-19, following local outbreaks on campuses.

About 3,000 students are currently in lockdown at universities from Dundee to Exeter, the Conservative chairman of the Commons education select committee Robert Halfon has said.

They include up to 1,700 students at Manchester Metropolitan University - where students say they are being prevented from leaving by security guards and police.

Many students have expressed worry and confusion about the situation, with one saying they had "been left completely in the dark".

In a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, Labour's Ms Green accused the government of failing to prepare for the likelihood that the virus could spread among students.

"It is deeply distressing that so many will now not get the university experience they deserve, and face the appalling prospect of being locked in their rooms with no chance to make new friends," she said.

"Universities have done all they can to prepare for students' safe return to campus, but the government has failed to play its part.

"You let young people down with the exam fiasco over the summer, and now many of those same students are being let down again. These young people deserve better than your incompetence."

She called for:

Enough testing capacity in universities

All students to be given the choice to study remotely

The government to consider delaying the start of term for universities that are yet to return

And regarding Christmas, she added the government must "work with universities to ensure every student has access to testing to allow a safe journey home".

Earlier this week, government scientific adviser Sir Mark Walport warned that students in virus hotspots might have to be forced to stay on campus over Christmas.

'We had no warning'

Manchester Met said it had introduced a 14-day self-isolation period at its accommodation at Birley and Cambridge Halls after 127 students tested positive for the virus.

Joe Byrne, a first-year student there, said: "We have had no warning, support or advice from the university about how we get food etc, and instead have been left completely in the dark and practically locked up against our will."

Another student, Megan Tingey said she was not contacted by the university about the lockdown before police turned up outside her accommodation.

"It was quite scary and confusing," she said. "No one's really told us much and then the police turn up as well with security outside."

Thousands more students in England are turning up for the new university term this weekend - but the big question is whether they should be heading in the opposite direction and studying from home.

Is it wise or fair for universities to bring students back if they're at increasing risk of being in a Covid outbreak and having to self-isolate?

Accommodation blocks, with shared facilities and filled with young people wanting to socialise, have already seen a wave of outbreaks. So should the brakes be applied to stop this pattern repeating itself?

But after recruiting record numbers of students and promising them a mix of online and face-to-face teaching, it is going to be a very awkward U-turn for universities to switch back to the academic equivalent of working from home.

And would that mean refunds on accommodation and tuition fees?

There are likely to be some chaotic days ahead - and some big decisions to be made about whether to cut numbers on campus. And students must wonder how they've gone from being cooped up at home all summer to now being cooped up in university.

In a statement, Manchester Met said it had communicated with students "as soon as we could but it was not possible to give significant advanced notice due to the requirement to implement the isolation almost immediately".

"The communications we sent included details about how to access food and other provisions and we have been working with other partners, including local supermarkets, throughout the day to provide additional support," the statement said.

"Our security teams will increase patrols to support the lockdown and we will take disciplinary action against any students found to have breached requirements."

Hundreds of students are also isolating at Glasgow University because of two coronavirus clusters.

The university said it would offer a four-week rent rebate to all students in university residences in recognition of the "difficult circumstances" under which they were living.

It said those students would also be given £50 each to spend on food and it would invite local mobile food outlets to come to residences.

Across all of Scotland, students have been told not to go to pubs, parties or restaurants over the weekend. Universities Scotland has said students who socialise with anyone outside of their household risk losing their place at university.

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "The government is working closely with universities to ensure they are well prepared for the return of students, and we have published guidance to help them keep students and staff as safe as possible.

"Students should follow the latest health advice, just like the wider public, which means they should stay at university in the event that they have symptoms, have to isolate, there are additional restrictions imposed locally, or there is an outbreak on campus or in their accommodation.

"We will continue monitoring the situation very closely and follow Public Health England advice, adapting policies to best support students and providers."

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Let students go home for Christmas, says Labour

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The government should promise university students that they will be allowed to return home for Christmas, Labour has said. Shadow education secretary Kate Green said it was "unthinkable" that students could continue to be locked in halls and unable to see their families.

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Post-18 education plans can 'reduce burden' on hospitality

Industry trade body UKHospitality (UKH) has called on the Government to provide hospitality-specific training and support as part of its plans to equip workers for post-pandemic economy via expanded post-18 education and training.

On 29 September, Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged that, from April, adults in England without an A-Level or equivalent qualification will be offered a free, fully-funded college course - paid for through the National Skills Fund.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to provide some support for hospitality," UKH chief executive Kate Nicholls said of the plans. "Sector-specific training programmes can be a real boost for businesses and employees in our sector.

"We are facing a bleak six months, with restrictions on trading and low consumer confidence. Government-backed training schemes can reduce the burden on hard-pressed businesses and give employees a chance to develop during a quiet winter.

"If the Government supports training in our sector, it will keep more jobs open and put is in a much stronger position to begin rebuilding next year."

Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie also welcomed the announcement of increased funding for skills and further education.

"As a business we are passionate about improving social mobility and developing the skills of the nation's young people to ensure they are ready for work," he said. "That is why we invest heavily in apprenticeships, supporting over 12,500 since 2011."

According to a Government statement, a full list courses will be revealed shortly.

The Drinks Trust launches Brewery Workers End of Furlough Grant

Drinks industry charity and community organisation, The Drinks Trust, has revealed that it will be providing 200 emergency grants of £250 to members of the brewing industry who have been made redundant in the last four months and those in the process of redundancy.

Depending on demand and ongoing donations to the charity, further grants may be made available in coming weeks.

The Drinks Trust will also look to provide mental health services to bring industry colleagues and support across talking therapies, sleep and insomnia treatment and mindful drinking.

"We particularly wanted to reach out to those in the brewing sector, who like many others in the drinks and hospitality industries have been hard hit, and have gone without the support of others," Ross Carter, The Drinks Trust's chief executive, said.

"Industries like brewing, risk being amongst those who go unseen by the public, despite having faced some of the most significant challenges in their careers in recent months"

According to the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), brewing businesses lost as much as 80% of their trade overnight when pubs, bars and restaurants were closed in March.

"The hospitality industry is being devastated by the coronavirus social distancing and lockdown measures imposed on it, with small independent brewers some of the worst hit having received no support from Government," James Calder, SIBA chief executive added.

"SIBA are working with the Drinks Trust on the End of Furlough Grant and would encourage anyone impacted by redundancy to apply for the grant today and speak to the Drinks Trust about the ongoing support they can offer those who have fallen on hard times."

Covid-19 potential 'catalyst for more positive gendered and ethnic change'

A report produced by Women in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure (WiHTL) in partnership with The MBS Group and PwC has revealed that despite female staff and workers from ethnic minorities being more likely to be furloughed, put on reduced hours or made redundant, the ongoing pandemic could be a "catalyst" for positive change.

While Guarding against unintended consequences: The Impact of Covid-19 on Gender and Race & Ethnic Diversity in Hospitality, Travel & Leisure ​, found that three quarters (77%) of businesses claimed that diversity and inclusion either remained a priority or became a higher priority since Covid-19, the issue has only been raised in board meetings at 15% of businesses since the outset of the crisis.

PwC research also found that a higher proportion of women have been furloughed, put on reduced hours or made redundant (65%) than men (56%), while 67% of BAME staff have been furloughed, put on reduced hours or made redundant, compared to 62% of white colleagues.

Additionally, only 15% of businesses interviewed claimed to have measured the impact of pandemic measures on female or ethnic minority employees, while only 6% have measured the impact of redundancies, or potential redundancies.

"This is not the time to slow down our individual and collaborative efforts towards creating more inclusive environments," Tea Colainni, founder and chair of WiHTL explained.

"This crisis might be the catalyst for more positive gendered and ethnic change if we are able to harness the benefits and mitigate the risks.

"This is the time to invest in diverse talent, to create sustainable outputs and to eliminate inequalities.

"It is not just a question of moral justice; it is a matter of competitive advantage in the face of huge adversity and uncertainty."

T&R Theakston executive director to step down

T&R Theakston executive director Collin Wood has announced that he will retire from the brewer's board at the beginning of November having been at the business since 1987.

Wood, alongside co-executive director Simon Theakston, is credited with engineering the buy-back of Theakston's from Scottish & Newcastle 17 years ago.

"I have enjoyed every moment of my time at Theakston's and indeed before at Scottish & Newcastle," he explained. "The brewing industry has been and always will be a hugely rewarding and enjoyable place to work.

"I've had a wonderful career and it's a source of great delight that, despite the extraordinary Covid related circumstances currently facing our industry, I leave T&R Theakston as a thriving independent family business, but now the time has come for me to focus on other personal interests and to devote my time to these."

The brewer also announced that Richard Bradbury, currently trading director at Heineken UK, has been appointed as its new joint managing director.

"I am delighted to join the executive team of T&R Theakston and look forward to utilising all my experiences to help develop the next chapter in the company's long and proud history," Bradbury said.

Bradbury, who has been a non-executive director at T&R Theakston since 2014, takes up his appointment on 2 November.

Sacha Lord joins NTIA board

Night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester and co-founder of Parklife and The Warehouse Project, Sacha Lord, has joined the board of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA).

"It is clear Sacha's heart and soul is deeply embedded within this industry and we feel his passion and drive for change is self-evident from the impact he has had on the sector within Greater Manchester in his role as night-time economy adviser," Michael Kill, NTIA chief executive, said.

"His engagement will add another dimension to the NTIA board and its fight to stand up for what seems more and more like an exiled sector."

Lord added that during the past few months, it has become clear that the nightlife sector needs to work together. "Not only to help the industry pull through these difficult times but to co-ordinate and shape a way forward so that we can recover, stronger than ever," he said.

"I have known and worked alongside the NTIA and Michael for many years and I credit him as one of the most knowledgeable and expert voices in the night-time economy.

"I have been extremely impressed by his drive to speak out against policies that have crippled our sector, and he has been instrumental in helping industry leaders and operators navigate this turbulent period."

Star Pubs & Bars to fund licensees' BII memberships

Heineken's pub arm, Star Pubs & Bars, has announced plans to fund membership of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) - of £155 value per licensee - for more than 2,000 leased and tenanted operators.

The move will see licensees benefit from eight different helplines for issues ranging from HR to Covid-19; preferential rates on products and services from trusted industry suppliers, and a knowledge bank of guides and business tools.

"Licensees are doing a complete 360-degree review of their businesses looking at how they can adapt to the new trading conditions," Star Pubs & Bars managing director Lawson Mountstevens explained. "Operations, marketing and offers are all changing as pubs reinvent themselves to maximise sales and profits.

"We want to provide licensees with as much help as possible. The BII membership perfectly complements the support we provide."

BII chief executive, Steven Alton added: "The BII has always been at the heart of trusted, independent support for licensed trade professionals.

"Over the last few months we have been proudly supporting our members with the challenges of the pandemic, providing clear, actionable information.

"Sharing the experiences and innovation of our diverse national members is at the heart of what we do at the BII.

"As everyone continues to adapt their pubs to trading in this new world, we look forward to supporting all of our members in rebuilding their businesses."

Greene King breaks 'inflexible' pay monthly cycle for 38,000 staff

Suffolk-based brewer and pub operator Greene King has teamed up with Wagestream to offer its 38,000 team members 'real-time access to earned pay'.

Workers across Greene King's head office and 2,700 venues will be able to dip into a percentage of their earned wages on any day of the month to help them meet unforseen expenses during the ongoing pandemic.

Staff will also have access to a range of financial education tools via the platform in conjunction with The Money Advice Service, including financial webinars and an online support hub.

"We care about our team members and know some of them will have encountered real financial difficulties due to consequences of the pandemic," Andrew Bush, chief people officer, at Greene King, said.

"While we were able to provide a Support Fund during lockdown, we know that looking ahead, Wagestream will help to alleviate some of this financial stress by helping those affected meet unexpected expenses."

Peter Briffett, CEO and co-Founder of Wagestream, added: "The pandemic has caused a lot of worry for employees and this has been felt particularly badly in the hospitality sector.

"Greene King has picked the perfect moment to launch what we know is one of the most important workplace revolutions in pay of recent years.

"The UK's traditional monthly pay cycle is inflexible when unexpected expenses come out of nowhere, and what people need in that situation is easier access to the money they have already earned.

"We're proud to be partnering with the great team at Greene King to boost the financial resilience of their colleagues."

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Post-18 education plans 'must target hospitality', Covid-19 'catalyst for gendered and ethnic change'

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Industry trade body UKHospitality (UKH) has called on the Government to provide hospitality-specific training and support as part of its plans to equip workers for post-pandemic economy via expanded post-18 education and training.

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About 40 universities around the UK have had reports of coronavirus cases and thousands of students are self-isolating as the new term begins.

The University of Aberystwyth is the latest to suspend face-to-face teaching because of Covid-19.

But the prime minister's spokesman said students would be able to go home for the Christmas break.

In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon said ensuring students could go home at Christmas would be a priority.

Fee refunds

On whether students in England should receive a fees refund, the prime minister's spokesman said universities were autonomous and would make their own decisions.

But the Office for Students, the watchdog for higher education in England, indicated that universities would have to seriously consider requests for a partial refund and must not "adopt a blanket policy that refunds are not available".

Manchester Metropolitan University has offered a two-week rent rebate and £50 supermarket voucher for students in two halls of residence affected by outbreaks.

Some students have questioned why they were told to leave home and pay for accommodation when most teaching is being done remotely.

There has also been uncertainty about when students can visit their homes.

Labour says pausing the return of universities should be considered, rather than risk further Covid outbreaks and self-isolation for students.

There are no official figures on university Covid outbreaks from the government, the Office for Students or Universities UK - but a tracking of local reports suggests more than 40 universities have had Covid cases so far, out of about 130 in total.

In the absence of official information, websites such as Unicovid, run by academics, have gathered data.

In Wales, the University of Aberystwyth said that from Monday in-person teaching would be temporarily suspended and courses would be taught online.

Online teaching

At Manchester Metropolitan University, all classes for first year and foundation year students will be online for the next 14 days.

At the University of Essex a cluster of cases has been linked to sports teams.

Universities affected by coronavirus cases include:

Many universities had promised students a mix of in-person and online teaching.

But with more switching to online there have been questions about students getting a refund or if they should be paying for university accommodation if lessons are delivered remotely.

Labour shadow education secretary Kate Green said the option of student fee rebates should be kept "absolutely on the table".

'They told us to come here...'

Students contacting the BBC have reported confusion and uncertainty about Covid outbreaks.

"A lot of people we know just left because they didn't want to get stuck here," said Eve, a first year at Manchester Metropolitan University.

"I can't go home because I live with my grandad and I don't want to risk him getting sick," she said.

"They're turning round and blaming us and telling us it's our fault when it was the uni that told us to come here in the first place."

Parents have concerns too. Lluis Borrell has twin sons starting at Warwick and Nottingham and is worried about the risk of Covid and the negative impact of restricting students to staying within a small group of people.

"I understand the rules are needed but it makes any socialising very difficult," said Mr Borrell from Cambridge.

"Is this fair? Should he have gone in the first instance?

"It feels like they have gone there just to get Covid."

Another student at the University of Leeds, who wanted her name withheld, was so unhappy that she is planning to leave.

She said that she did not get on with the her neighbouring students, but is not allowed to meet students from other halls.

"We do not want to be stuck in our small bedroom in a space we have only just come to.

"We are paying so much money for this," she said.

Joe Ward at Manchester Metropolitan University said: "If I was made aware that this is how things would be and things would only be online then I definitely would have reconsidered going to university this year."

"I would definitely like to think that there might be some sort of compensation," he said.

His flatmate Natasha Kutscheruk said the initial lockdown "caused a lot of panic", saying the university "should have been prepared and organised before sending out an email saying we are locked down".

Almost a third of universities have had Covid cases already - and the new term is only getting underway, with more students still returning.

So the number of outbreaks is only likely to increase - raising urgent questions for university bosses, watchdogs and ministers about what should happen next.

It's not exactly the university experience that students imagined.

First years might be worried about going away from home, but they might now also be worried about not being able to get back, if they end up in an outbreak and are forced to self-isolate.

They were promised a mix of face-to-face and online teaching and have paid for accommodation - but the balance seems to be shifting more towards online lessons.

This means even less in-person time with other students and staff and more hours cooped up in their room with online recordings and academic versions of Zoom meetings.

So should universities just press on with this online-but-on-campus approach? Is it realistic for the rest of term? Or will it mean a loop tape of outbreaks and lockdowns?

Or do ministers or health officials step in and urge more students to study from home where possible?

Universities cherish their autonomy, but in this case it feels as though they're waiting for someone else to make a decision for them.

For students in England, the prime minister's spokesman said on Monday that students should follow health advice just like the wider public.

If they have tested positive or have symptoms they do need to self isolate - and should follow any local restrictions in place, said the spokesman.

But it was expected that all students would be able to return home at Christmas, said the PM's spokesman, after suggestions that students might have to remain in their student accommodation.

In Scotland, a briefing from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon offered reassurance that students could return home for the Christmas break.

There has been new guidance issued by the Scottish government which allows short home visits if there is a "reasonable excuse" such as a bereavement or family emergency.

Students can also move home and study from there permanently, but the default advice is to stay in university accommodation where possible.
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About 40 universities report coronavirus cases

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About 40 universities around the UK have had reports of coronavirus cases and thousands of students are self-isolating as the new term begins. The University of Aberystwyth is the latest to suspend face-to-face teaching because of Covid-19. But the prime minister's spokesman said students would be able to go home for the Christmas break.

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Universities in England could finish face-to-face teaching early this term so any students having to self-isolate could return home for Christmas, says the education secretary.

But Gavin Williamson rejected calls to switch all teaching to online.

The latest estimate suggests 52 UK universities have had Covid cases so far this term - up by 12 since Monday.

Labour accused Mr Williamson of being the "invisible man" who had failed "to get to grips with the situation".

The National Union of Students said it was "unacceptable" that some students had found themselves facing "private security guards with dogs" at their locked-down accommodation.

Mr Williamson told the House of Commons that universities could move to online-only learning before term would usually end - so that students in local Covid outbreaks would have time to isolate and still be able to travel home at Christmas.

"I know there has been some anxiety about the impact the safety measures will have on the Christmas holidays," Mr Williamson told MPs.

"We are going to work with universities to make sure that all students are supported to return home safely to spend Christmas with their loved ones, if they choose to do so."

But addressing concerns about students who are self isolating at the end of term, he said universities could end "in-person learning early" and shift to "online learning solely" to ensure "that all students are able to have the benefit of being with their families for Christmas".

Mr Williamson said he expected that to be a "very small number of universities".

And he said that restrictions on students should be no tighter than for the rest of the public - and there should be "parity" in terms of limits on their movement.

Isolated with strangers

Shadow education secretary Kate Green said the situation with students returning to university and ending up in self-isolation was "desperately worrying", as well as "predictable and predicted".

Ms Green said the government had failed "to get testing fit-for-purpose" and if Mr Williamson's department "didn't get a grip, the situation could repeat itself across the country".

"We cannot forget that at the heart of this crisis are thousands of young people, many away from home for the first time, many now isolating with a group of people who are practically strangers - we can only imagine how hard it is for them," she told MPs.

The government has been under pressure to respond after multiple Covid outbreaks followed the return of students, with many students then having to self-isolate.

There are no official figures from the government or regulators for the numbers of universities with outbreaks, but a tracking of local reports suggests cases in 52 universities, up from 40 on Monday.

There have been cases reported in Leeds, Glasgow, Sunderland, Essex and Swansea universities.

Exeter University responded to confirmed Covid cases by telling students that for the next 14 days they should not "meet indoors with anyone who is not part of your household".

The University of Aberystwyth's approach has been to suspend in-person teaching.

'Not worth returning to uni'

Student Nina White is meant to be returning to Cardiff University for the third and final year of her English language and literature degree - but is concerned about travelling to an area that is under local lockdown.

The 20-year-old, who has been at home in Cheltenham since the pandemic started, said: "It wouldn't be a very good idea to go over there, not knowing when I could get back. All my support network is over here, and it wouldn't be worth it.

"I have OCD and anxiety so what made uni less stressful was knowing I could get on a train and head back to Cheltenham if I needed to."

She fears the pandemic would stop her being able to do that and she would end up isolated in Cardiff. Her course is doing blended learning - a mix of face-to-face and online learning - and she is considering applying to do the course solely by remote learning.

She added that she did not feel reassured by Mr Williamson's comments as the government had "messed around with young people's futures".

There are still students returning for the new term however - and the UCU lecturers' union has written to the prime minister asking for this to be reversed so that students are able to study online from home instead.

The union's leader Jo Grady has told Boris Johnson that the biggest danger areas for infection are face-to-face teaching and student halls of residence - and has called on the prime minister to take "swift action" to switch to online, off-campus teaching.

But Mr Williamson told MPs that universities were "well prepared" to handle any Covid outbreaks - and rejected suggestions they should switch away from the current mix of face-to-face and online teaching.

"There are many courses including medicine and dentistry, as well as the creative arts, which require a face to face element," the education secretary added.

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Students home for Christmas with end of term online

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Universities in England could finish face-to-face teaching early this term so any students having to self-isolate could return home for Christmas, says the education secretary. But Gavin Williamson rejected calls to switch all teaching to online. The latest estimate suggests 52 UK universities have had Covid cases so far this term - up by 12 since Monday.

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Students in England and Wales are being asked to return home during a week-long ''travel window" after taking coronavirus tests in early December, while Scotland is planning a more staggered return.

It is hoped this will reduce the risk of students spreading Covid-19 to their family and friends, following outbreaks on campuses earlier this term.

Rapid Covid tests will be distributed to universities at the end of November, so students can be tested as England's lockdown ends on 2 December.

This will mean students ''pose a much-reduced risk to their loved ones and their community," Universities Minister Michelle Donelan says.

Universities in high-risk areas will be prioritised for testing, and the aim is for results to be turned around in an hour.

Unless they test positive or develop symptoms, students will be encouraged to travel home between 3 and 9 December, with any remaining teaching conducted online.

Those found to have coronavirus will have to self-isolate for 10 days, but will still be able to get home in time for Christmas.

Students are "strongly advised" to travel during the window, as they may not make it home for Christmas if they have to self-isolate later

The end dates of courses will be staggered to avoid a "great surge of movement" in December.

The Northern Ireland Executive hasn't yet detailed its plans.

What about returning in January?

While there is a staggered start to the autumn term, the return in January is much more concentrated.

Most universities went into the new academic year offering a blend of in-person and online teaching.

Even if you can't attend lectures in person, it is unlikely you will get a refund if you can access your course online.

They may be receiving online tuition, but students have a right to access other resources too.

''If they don't have access to libraries and research facilities, students would have a claim for breach of contract,'' says Boz Michalowska-Howells, head of consumer law at Leigh Day solicitors.

Any savings universities make by not providing facilities or through government schemes should be passed on to students via fee reductions, she adds.

Higher education regulator the Office for Students (OfS) says it ''can and will investigate'' if it believes universities haven't taken all reasonable steps to protect standards.

Some of those who have been told to self-isolate at short notice in halls are eligible for extra support.

Government guidance says universities should work with Public Health England to identify what a "whole household isolation" means in such circumstances.

It says it would normally include "students living in the same flat or on the same floor who share cooking or washing facilities".

In September, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) - which works with the government - warned of "significant outbreaks associated with higher education".

By early October, almost all of the local areas that had coronavirus case rates of over 1,000 also had high density student populations in England.

A Sage paper also identified the end of term in mid-December as likely to lead to "the peak health impacts of newly seeded infections due to...mass movement [of students]".

Additional reporting by Ben Milne

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Covid: How will university students go home for Christmas?

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Students in England and Wales are being asked to return home during a week-long ''travel window" after taking coronavirus tests in early December, while Scotland is planning a more staggered return. It is hoped this will reduce the risk of students spreading Covid-19 to their family and friends, following outbreaks on campuses earlier this term.