DOUGHTY WARNS PRIME MINISTER STUDENT DEBT WILL HIT KEY WORKER RECRUITMENT IN GUILDFORD AREA

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 25th Feb 2004

Sue Doughty MP warned the Prime Minster in the House of Commons today that student debt will increase the problem of recruiting and retaining teachers, lecturers, health care workers and other public sector graduates in high cost areas like Guildford.

Sue said:

"The Prime Minster answered that to get more money into universities and pay their staff better we need to change the funding system. He knows very well that the Liberal Democrats have plans that will allow money to go to universities sooner without increasing student debt.

"The government's plans for top-up fees are a recipe for a major crisis in our local public services. With debts of up to £30,000 how many graduates are going to become low paid undervalued teachers, lecturers or nurses?"

Earlier today Sue met with University teaching staff on the picket line of the Association of University Teachers demonstrating over pay and conditions.

Sue said:

"Over the last 20 years university teaching staff have seen their pay fall by 40% relative to other workers. Despite this, they are teaching twice as many students and producing higher quality research. The government's plans will not only increase student debt, but leave universities and their hard working staff waiting years until they see the additional funding. They need improvements now."