With the financial crisis and its fallout dominating the news headlines, there is a tendency to focus excessively on quick, short-term solutions. Urgent action is, of course, required--hence the recovery plan announced by the European Commission in November--but, in this time of crisis, people also need to make sure that they do not lose sight of…

Every government wants to appear to be tough on asylum seekers. But in failing to offer newcomers immediate access to English language learning one runs the risk of missing out on significant economic and social cohesion benefits. In this article, the author argues that asylum seekers need to get English language support in their first six months…

In this article, the author reports on a unique project which is helping members of gypsy and traveller communities to pass their driving theory test, and, in the process, to improve their literacy skills. The Sheffield Gypsy Traveller Support Group is a centre offering a wide range of specialist services to gypsies and travellers, from welfare…