Students set to miss out on work experience, says MacShane

ROTHERHAM MP Denis MacShane, has urged ministers to allow thousands of the borough’s students to take part in work experience schemes amid fears that they could be slashed.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Dr MacShane told Department of Work Minister Chris Grayling that thousands of pupils expecting to go on work experience programmes this spring may not be able to do so.

He said that this was because the Department of Education had not confirmed it will keep funding Business & Education South Yorkshire, which coordinates the placements in Rotherham.

If the government does cut support, it means that each individual school and firm will have to take over responsibility for each placement, including health and safety and criminal record checks.

“This will add a bureaucratic burden to our teachers at a time when they should focus on preparing children for the examination season,” said Dr MacShane.

“I want to see Rotherham youngsters understand the world of work and I support work experience programmes.

“But it was quite clear that Mr Grayling had no idea of the useful work the Business Education scheme undertakes.

“He refused to assure MPs that he would talk to the Department of Education so as to get some joined-up government.

“I have now tabled further parliamentary questions about support for Business Education South Yorkshire and hope the government will continue to support this vital work.”