According to John Hayes, the skills minister, the current economic situation may be overcome through organization of evening classes in dancing. People who felt the result of the economic downturn need joy in their lives and such classes will definitely improve adults’ physical and mental health. The minister considers that even when things are miserable, when the economic situation is poor, dancing may foster people to get back to work.
It may also bring confidence in strengths while applying for the job. Jon Hayes wrote in his essay papers that such adult education as evening classes may have positive effect not only on social interactions but also health. As during the last four years more than 1.4m adult education places had been cut, many courses which seemed to be not-essential were closed. Among such courses were dancing clubs and arranging and now the minister promises to resume them: “I am absolutely committed to adult learning, as is David Cameron…”
In February the government has cut college budgets by £200m and the minister guarantees renewed commitment to adult education which includes setting out the courses and giving colleges freedom to control their budgets. Moreover, Jon Hayes promises to spare the best colleges visits from inspectors and is going to make changes to the skills sector. Nevertheless, the minister can not guarantee that colleges will be spared future budget cuts. He also plans to annihilate some quangos but it is unknown which exactly.
Martin Ward, deputy general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, approves the support of evening classes received from the skills minister but considers that cutting the budget of the adult education makes it almost impossible to poor people to attend them. According to Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union, “It is essential that the government supports adult learning at all levels”.