Over the past few years there has been great emphasis placed in the UK on the importance of science, engineering, technology and maths (STEM) for the future development of the economy. there has also been attention placed on the poor record of language learning in the country. And education - and especially the vocational further education colleges have been urged to ensure that employability is high on te agenda.

It is surprising then to see the latest report from the UK nation Audit Office which has found that "Some colleges have stopped teaching modern languages courses and some science, technology, engineering and maths subjects, while others have significantly decreased employability activities."

As a report on Sky News says, the Aidit Office report the reason being that core funding for the college sector has fallen and its financial health "remains fragile" - with an increasing number of colleges across the UK under financial pressure due to the coronavirus crisis.

The report warned that mental health and careers support for college students had also reduced.