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date: 17 August 2006

embargo: For immediate release

TUC on today's A level results

Commenting on the A level results out today (Thursday), TUC Deputy General Secretary Frances O'Grady said:

'All the students and teachers who have worked so hard over the past two years should be congratulated on these fantastic results. But sadly, once again the critics are out in force, trying to belittle the achievements of thousands of jubilant young people.

'But instead of the annual accusations about the 'dumbing' down of A levels, the critics could put their time and energy to greater use looking at how the UK could improve the career prospects of the youngsters who end their education when they leave school at 16.

'Employers could be doing much more to improve the skills of the one in four 16-18 year olds who are either out of work or who are in dead-end jobs where they never receive any training. Taking on more apprentices and offering a variety of high quality workplace training could make a real difference to the lives of many of these young people.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07778 158175; E: media@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 17 Aug 2006