No update on gender questioning children guidance
In December 2023, the Department for Education (DfE) released draft non-statutory guidance on gender questioning children for schools and colleges, initiating a consultation that concluded in March 2024.
The DfE received numerous responses. However, due to the election, no final version of the guidance has been issued and we don’t yet know what approach the new government will take.
Lack of financial education in schools hurts people’s financial decision-making in later life
A recent study by ClearScore, in collaboration with The Money Charity, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by UK adults because of their lack of financial education. Although financial education was added to the curriculum in 2014:
- 58% of 18 to 24-year-olds said they had not received any formal education on money management; and
- 13% of adults believe their lack of financial literacy has affected their ability to borrow money.
The study also found that adults turn to their friends and family for financial advice, while younger people increasingly use social media and influencers for guidance.
Attendance gap widens for vulnerable children
A recent analysis by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) reveals that the attendance gap between the most vulnerable schoolchildren and their peers has widened, exacerbating existing inequalities. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or from disadvantaged backgrounds are missing up to 4.4 more days than other students.
While overall attendance has improved over the past year, this masks a significant rise in unauthorised absences, which are now up to 80% higher than pre-pandemic levels. The EPI attributes this to the ongoing crisis in the SEND system, marked by long waits for education, health, and care plans, and insufficient funding and specialist support.
The report highlights that primary school pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs, on average, were absent 9.6 days during the 2023 autumn term. This trend is concerning as the number of pupils with these needs has surged by 37% since 2019.
Record number of children in temporary accommodation
School leaders are urging the Labour government to swiftly address child poverty after new figures indicated that a record number of children are living in temporary accommodation such as bed and breakfasts and hostels. The most recent numbers show that in March, 151,630 children in England were in temporary housing, the highest since records began in 2004.
Labour has pledged an ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty, including the creation of a child poverty unit and a focus on housebuilding. However, school leaders stress the need for immediate, tangible action to address the crisis.
Taskforce to tackle child poverty
The UK government has initiated urgent efforts to address child poverty, with the newly formed Child Poverty Taskforce holding its first meeting on Wednesday, 14 August. The taskforce, comprising key cabinet ministers and co-chaired by the Work & Pensions and Education Secretaries, aims to confront the deep-rooted causes of child poverty.
With over four million children living in low-income families, the taskforce aims to consider both short-term and long-term strategies. It will engage directly with affected families, front-line staff, and leading organisations to develop these.
The taskforce's efforts will be supported by a new Child Poverty Unit within the Cabinet Office, which will coordinate the development of the strategy. The government has said that it is committed to initiatives such as free breakfast clubs at primary schools and creating additional nurseries to support this mission.
Comprehensive review of UK pensions industry
On 16 August 2024, the UK government unveiled the terms of reference for the first phase of its extensive review of the pensions industry. This phase will primarily focus on enhancing the scale and consolidation of defined contribution (DC) workplace schemes, addressing inefficiencies in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), and promoting better governance.
The review aims to boost returns for pension savers and encourage further investment in UK assets to stimulate national growth. It will also consider the implications for broader government financial stability policies, including the gilt market.
ESFA updates funding agreements and contracts for 2024-2025
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) has released the finalised contracts for the 2024 to 2025 period. These contracts cover a range of services, including procured non-levy apprenticeships, education and training, the ESFA adult skills fund, 19 to 24-year-old procured adult education budget traineeships, and higher education institution adult: higher level apprenticeships.
Low Pay Commission told to take cost of living into account when setting NMW rates
The Department for Business and Trade has issued an updated remit for the Low Pay Commission (LPC).
In line with the Labour Party’s manifesto pledge, for the first time, the LPC has been asked to consider the cost of living when recommending future national minimum wage (NMW) rates. It has also been asked to propose a new rate for 18 to 20-year-olds which will narrow the gap with the National Living Wage (NLW) paid to workers aged 21 and over.
The government has repeated its pledge to create a single adult rate, although it has not set out a fixed timetable to achieve this.
The LPC is expected to submit its recommendations for the NMW and NLW rates by October 2024. If the government accepts their recommendations, new rates will come into force in April 2025.
Government hold meeting with unions and bosses to make work pay
The Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary recently met with business leaders and trade unions to discuss the government's proposals to "Make Work Pay" ahead of the Employment Bill which is expected to be published in October.
The government has said that it is keen to ‘develop a new relationship of collaboration’ with unions and business and will invite representatives to other meetings so that they can share their insights.
Separately, the government has said that it is committed to delivering the plan in full and is identifying the most appropriate way to do so which may include non-legislative and secondary legislative routes as well as the Employment Bill.
New EHRC report highlights racial disparities
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has submitted a report to the UN Committee on the elimination of racial discrimination, which highlights employment and pay gaps experienced by ethnic minority groups in England and Wales.
Key findings on employment:
- Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups have the lowest employment rates in Britain.
- The employment gap between these groups and White British people has significantly narrowed from 2011/12 to 2021/22.
- Unemployment rates for Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Black groups are 8.7%, 8.8%, and 9.5% respectively, compared to 3.6% for White British people in 2021/22.
- Factors contributing to the employment gap include cultural-religious reasons, discrimination, literacy issues, and low educational attainment, particularly among the Gypsy, Roma and travelling communities.
Key findings on pay gaps:
- Bangladeshi and Pakistani workers respectively earned 17.7% and 9.3% less than White British workers in 2021/22, though there are signs of improvement over time.
- Black workers are paid 7.8% less on average than White British workers.
- The pay gap may be influenced by differences in qualification levels, geographical location, and access to mentors, role models, career support programmes, and professional networks.
The EHRC recommends that the UK and Welsh governments improve data collection on employment gaps and introduce mandatory reporting on ethnicity recruitment, retention, and progression for large employers.
Read more – September 2024
For general enquiries
0808 291 3524
Or we can call you back at a time of your choice
Phone lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year
