The TUC is stressing that more targeting and a system of accrediting training providers are the top priorities for the new replacement for ILAs.

TUC Senior Learning & Skills Policy Officer, Bert Clough, said: "ILAs proved there is a big market for adult learning. The problem has been that by opening up the market to new providers without tight regulation, unscrupulous 'learning traders' operated scams. That is why the TUC very much endorse the report’s recommendation that in the new model providers will need to registered to ensure quality assurance and end misuse and abuse.

"Where union learning reps have provided advice and support to adult learners the ILA has been used to access quality learning opportunities. We therefore very much welcome the Report’s recommendation that ‘the successes of trusted intermediaries, such as trade union learning representatives, should be taken into account in designing an ILA successor scheme’. The DfES has already been formally consulting unions and the TUC on the design of a more effective model.

"We also very much support the recommendation that the new model be focused on adults who have low or no qualifications and that this be promoted through employers and trade unions in order to limit any 'deadweight ' effect. The lion’s share of the subsidy and the marketing should be targeted on adults who have low or no qualifications."