Since Autumn 2021, the United Kingdom has experienced high rates of inflation and stagnant wages. Londoners that have been most affected by this include those not in work, those without qualifications and those in insecure or low-income work.

This research, commissioned by the Greater London Authority (GLA), explored the views of Londoners most affected by the rising costs of living towards adult education and skills training, and the impact on them being able to access, progress and achieve in learning. The research found that:

• Londoners are experiencing increased challenges around finances, particularly housing, utilities and food bills. This means that learning is not a priority as they struggle to make ends meet day-to-day.
• The rising cost of living has contributed to worsening mental health among the Londoners engaged in this research. Consequently, many are not considering learning and lack the headspace to think beyond their immediate future.
• Learners tend to prioritise securing entry level work to meet immediate financial needs instead of thinking about their long-term futures. As a result, fewer learners are progressing to higher level learning that can support them to access to better quality, higher paid work.
• Providers are experiencing challenges in staff recruitment and retention due to staff leaving London as they could no longer afford rising rents and staff leaving adult education given the higher earnings potential in other sectors.

We recommend that the GLA consider several actions to support Londoners’ access to learning, including through ensuring access to dedicated learner and welfare support and connecting providers with external support initiatives, services and programmes.

Actions that may be taken forward with further delegated powers and additional investment by central Government include supporting comprehensive advice and guidance, funding for learner support, and changes to the low wage learning fee remission.