Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the impact of the pandemic on English language teaching (ELT).

I am aware of the concerns raised by English UK about the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and that more than 50 UK ELT centres have closed permanently since the pandemic began.

In its updated International Education Strategy published in February 2021, the Government set out how it would provide support to the ELT sector. ELT centres have also been encouraged to apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant, as they were not eligible for the Restart Grant Scheme or business rates relief. I know that ELT schools were not instructed to close during the pandemic, and that the Government has said it believes they, along with other education providers, could access online markets.

However, I am also aware that ELT providers have highlighted that their schools have had to consider contracting out work to remote teachers in low-wage economies and making UK-based teachers redundant. English UK has reported that the pandemic impacted 91% of ELT jobs, and I sympathise with those who have faced insecurity during this difficult time.

Although the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended until September 2021, I do not believe there was any excuse for causing uncertainty by holding back on the announcement for so long. In addition, as you highlight, many people remain excluded from support.

Given that the Government has now delayed easing lockdown restrictions for a month, economic measures must remain hand-in-hand with public health restrictions. It is right that we remain guided by the science, but businesses must not pay the price of any delay to the roadmap.

While the pandemic has dealt a devastating blow to our tourism industry, with swift and urgent intervention there is an opportunity not just for survival but for recovery and growth. I hope the Government will carefully consider the concerns raised by English UK. It must stand by its commitment to do whatever it takes by helping businesses and workers through this next phase of the pandemic.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Dowd MP