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Barry Sheerman has voiced his support for the planned demonstration by staff at Kirklees College against the government proposal to scrap EMAs (Educational Maintenance Allowance). The EMA grant was designed to encourage disadvantaged young people to stay in education. However the Coalition government is set to axe the scheme in January 2011 as part of its program of spending cuts.

The EMA grant is a means tested fund that pays between £10 and £30 per week directly to students between 16 and 18 in full-time education. Barry has labelled the planned axing of the scheme a "disgrace" and hoped that the public would support the demonstration. He was quoted as saying that "EMA was keeping so many young people from less financially secure homes in education". "For some it made the difference between staying in education or not". "It's one of those policies that reminds us what sort of Government we've got at Whitehall."

Barry has had a long standing involvement with the college and has been heavily involved in the creation of the new Waterfront campus. He was instrumental in securing the funding for the project.  He has an active interest in education and skills and was formerly Chairman of the House of Commons Select Committee for Children, Schools and Families from 2007 and the Education and Skills Committee from 2001-2007. He currently Chairs The Skills Commission.  

The protest is planned for Monday at midday at the college campus in Huddersfield. The organiser, David Ellis, has stressed that the demonstration is not industrial action and will not interfere teaching. He added "It's not against the college because they've nothing to do with this decision - it's a Government decision. This demonstration is intended to bring it home to the public exactly what it means."

"It's going to put education out of reach of the poorest people in the country".

"We're now in the midst of a serious recession. The possibility of these young people finding remunerative work is very low as almost every employer is cutting back.

"That's going to be heightened by the cuts and any youngsters that are forced out of education are going to be left on the scrap heap."