A new poll released today shows that 90 per cent of the general public think it is important for the government to invest in UK universities.

The Ipos Mori survey for Universities UK comes just a week after a damning international report revealed that the UK is investing less of its gross domestic product in higher education than competitor countries – just 1.3 per cent compared to an average of 1.5 per cent – and that the UK had plummeted down the international graduation rate league table.

The University and College Union (UCU) said the poll confirmed its own position that investment, not swingeing cuts, was the only way the UK could continue to operate as a global leader in higher education.

Nearly half of all respondents (45 per cent) reported that they had never had any contact with a university (or studied at a university). A quarter of those surveyed (25 per cent) had themselves studied at a UK university.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: “Today’s poll shows that the public understands the important role universities play in wider society and why we should continue to invest in higher education. We all benefit from higher education, whether we study at university or not, and I am pleased, although perhaps not surprised, that the public recognises this.

“We need to invest in our universities in order to secure the country’s future and that requires a proper debate on university funding. The forthcoming Browne review needs to look again at the idea of charging big business for the substantial benefits it gains from a plentiful supply of graduates. If the only options on the table are more ways to penalise students then the review will have failed to meet its remit.”

If you are working in post-16 education and would like some extra support, call us on 0808 802 03 04 or email one of our advisors here.

Visit the website at www.recourse.org.uk for the latest news and online tools like the Wheel of Wellbeing.

In case you missed it amongst all the talk of cuts in the sector, let us not forget that this week is Universities Week, which is a national pilot campaign to highlight the essential role of universities in the UK and their impact on the economy, culture, society, the environment and much more.

Over 100 universities and other organisations have been organising events around the country highlighting achievements in higher education.

Amidst the gloom it is always encouraging to hear of people celebrating success and we would like to add our congratulations and support to everyone in the sector.

To find out more about Universities Week and events happening near you, take a look at the website at www.universitiesweek.org.uk

Taking place every year, the month celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community.

Organisers aim to “celebrate its diversity and that of the society as a whole” and encourage everyone to see diversity and cultural pluralism as the positive forces that they are and endeavour to reflect this in all we do.”

Those who work in post-school education are of course affected by homophobia and other forms of discrimination, whether at the hands of students or colleagues. Discrimination of any kind can put a real strain on anybody, negatively affecting their wellbeing and even driving some from the profession altogether.

If you would like help or advice on how to deal with this kind of discrimination in your workplace, are experiencing bullying yourself, or would simply like to talk to someone about these issues, you can call our free, confidential Support Line on 08000 32 99 52.

via LGBT History Month | College & University Support Network.