tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322783749535110052.post4163897121257150032..comments2024-01-11T15:17:13.698+00:00Comments on Martin's View: "Well, what would you do?" Vince Cable's question on Tuition FeesMartin Vearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836538893598716215noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322783749535110052.post-59956458454306517722010-12-11T15:23:12.520+00:002010-12-11T15:23:12.520+00:00Martin - it would be a trivial exercise for employ...Martin - it would be a trivial exercise for employers to circumvent a graduate levy by manipulating job definitions and person specifications. And it would take an army of bureaucrats to prevent such abuse by employers.<br /><br />As for the self-employed, you are talking only of quasi-self-employment. What about freelance agents proper - those with multiple clients, who happen to be graduates whose work effectively requires a university degree?Francis Sedgemorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12310279298255158895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322783749535110052.post-61652827096870409712010-12-11T15:02:03.572+00:002010-12-11T15:02:03.572+00:00Why limit charges to university degree courses? S...Why limit charges to university degree courses? Surely all training of any sort leads to an improvement in earning prospects (or so it is devoutly to be wished).Dr Clacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16553342365115195858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322783749535110052.post-31249287744400381002010-12-11T14:11:26.274+00:002010-12-11T14:11:26.274+00:00It is usually the case that minimum qualifications...It is usually the case that minimum qualifications are specified for a given post. <br /><br />One effect of this policy may well to make those with apprenticeships more attractive to employers so thereby avoiding the levy.<br /><br />The self-employed graduate would have to pay. I don't see a way around it. But of course, the amount of payback would be determined by the wage paid from the business to the self-employed person.Martin Vearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03836538893598716215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322783749535110052.post-46876522149931949092010-12-11T12:51:41.428+00:002010-12-11T12:51:41.428+00:00An interesting idea, Martin, but I don't think...An interesting idea, Martin, but I don't think it's workable, partly for reasons you yourself highlight. The definition of graduate-level jobs, and the imposition of a levy on self-employed workers, are but two serious objections to a employer-paid tax.<br /><br />Personally, I do not have a settled opinion on the matter, but accept that the current situation cannot continue. For that reason I'm happy to listen respectfully to John Browne, Vince Cable and others who argue for a freer market in higher education, but at the same time I cannot help thinking that a much wider debate is necessary. Even if the end result is a major contraction in academic-oriented undergraduate programmes.<br /><br />Education for intellectual self-improvement is a very good thing, but you do not need to attend university full-time for three years from the tender age of 18 in order to grow into a rounded, cultured, educated person.<br /><br />If we are to cover the cost of higher education from generation taxation, then government will necessarily have a major say in what kind of courses are covered. In practical terms that means a bias in favour of vocational training. This could be a good thing, and seems to work well enough in Denmark, for example, but it does require public debate and consensus.Francis Sedgemorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12310279298255158895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1322783749535110052.post-11596484152694292512010-12-11T12:03:11.740+00:002010-12-11T12:03:11.740+00:00Interesting idea. I have always preferred that th...Interesting idea. I have always preferred that the cost should come out of general taxation and cannot understand why all politicians are so terrified of increasing income tax, which is so low at present. At a meeting last night in Yeovil, someone suggested that employers would increase salaries to attract the best graduates and help pay off their debts. Your idea is fairer and better and doesn't rely on doubtful market pressure.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03281231409865527752noreply@blogger.com