http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7170125.stm

Dear Labour government,

If the immigrants have long-term needs why are you giving the free lessons to those on benefits, whose needs include nothing more than surviving in a more economically-developed country than their homeland? Surely the lessons, paid for by the taxpayer, should be given to those with skills, training and job prospects who can impact our economy in a positive way?

Regards,
--Tom

The list of those expected to receive the free lessons is completely FLAWED:

• legal residents expected to stay in the country long-term
• excluded women, particularly those with children under 16
• parents or carers in families with multiple problems
• those identified as raising particular issues for community cohesion
• people with low levels of literacy in their own language
• those with no secondary education
• refugees
• asylum seekers still in the country beyond six months awaiting a decision on their status or who cannot return home

If I was a taxpayer, I wouldn't mind funding (albeit only in part) English lessons to NEW immigrants with long-term employment desires who are not work-shy - for the benefit of our economy. Not for refugees, asylum seekers, women(??) and those "expected" (AKA everyone--how are you going to determine their intentions??) to stay in the country.

If these people are so serious about their long-term goals in the country, what has stopped them learning the language in the first place? That would be the first thing to do. We should send back those who are going to leech off the economy, receive these free lessons and do nothing with them.

True.

I don't see the point in giving immigrants English lessons
The ones who come looking for lessons are usually the ones who came for skilled jobs
people who live on benefits don't care about English lessons.. trustsss

How excellent, now next time I get mugged they'll speak the Queen's English .

We really should adopt the same sort of policy as New Zealand where we only accept skilled migrants, we're such a small country to be handling this sort of burden on our economy.

Forbid me for being cruel, but surely packing boxes and factory work doesn't require literacy skills, we have plenty of UK born citizens with a lack of literacy skills, but they're not given free lessons are they?

How skilled? Not sure there are enough chavs to fill up all of the fast food restaurants we love so much, we might need the migrants for those jobs

at least you will be able to understand them....

not like ALABLAHBA, but may i have a cup of earl grey

Well I think it's a good idea. I really would hate to have some Spanish person come up to me and ask me
The person stares at me as I point to different directions and unknowingly answer with the most known Spanish word



---------FOR THOSE THAT DO NOT SPEAK SPANISH----------
Translation 1
Usted tienen gusto de bolas?
===> Do you like balls?

Translation 2
Si
===> Yes

Whats the point most of them come for jobs and a better life I dont think they will have time to learn english but I kinda like the idea because Id like my mom to learn some better english
my mom is also an immigrant she also came here for a better life but she had no time to do anything she worked all the time. she had to drop out of school to help her mom pay rent so I don't think they will have time to learn english

If you don't have "time" to learn the language of a country who has accepted you, GTFO.

Why not just advertise or point them to a public library where they can check out a book on speaking English. Only requirement is lots of translation books from one langauge to english, and a few bi-lingual librarians. Oh ya, the ppl seeking the new language need to be independent not dependant on another, but hey, thats good for the economy.
If an individual was independent in a way, they would of been motivated to go there, But some people just dont know how, where, or when to seek the information they want.

In America, particular the city where i'm from all offical city documents are written in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and I think Laotian...Thats alot of languages. Thats alot of money my city is shelling out for some unmotivated ppl willing to learn. But i guess all they need is constant advertising and info. that stands out, where they can find it. I think all these languages divides the community, not to mention gives the police a run for their money.

guess some ppl are not motivated by something they dont want or dont care about.

very true folks, I'm not Russian. but i live in Russia and know the language as native speakers do

Nuff Said LOL.

I personally agree with whoever said about the NZ policy.. But they copied it from the Americans back in the 1800's :-)

I have to admit, I would atleast attempt to learn the basics of the native language if I was to migrate elsewhere.. I wouldn't just got here and expect them to learn my language!

[Edit: Correction made.]

I agree 100%, i have no problem with skilled workers coming into the country, but the unskilled are just a drain on our economy.



erm .. yea they are lol. it's even compulsory until 16.

I just hate trying to order something from a restraunt (say chilis) and i have to request a different waiter (emberessing) becuase I cant understand them , yes this would be a GREAT idea