We are pleased that there will finally be a vote in the Commons on the government’s decision to scrap the education maintenance allowance. Before the election Michael Gove made a specific pledge that he would not axe the vital support for so many young people. He has now reversed that decision, despite, as was revealed in parliament this week, not visiting a further education college.

As leaders of unions representing more than 11 million workers and students, we are campaigning against the axing of EMA, the increase in tuition fees and the cuts to local youth services that leave the next generation with the bill for an economic crisis they did not create.

We urge all MPs to back the motion calling for the government to rethink its position on EMA in Wednesday’s opposition day debate and for MPs, students and the public to support the A Future That Works march and rally in Manchester on 29 January called by the TUC.

The news that 2,000 jobs are set to go at Manchester city council (Councils say poorest areas will be worst hit by cuts, 14 January) comes on top of news this week that 3,200 jobs in local police authorities are at risk and more than 24,000 council jobs may go in the region.

The north-west already has the highest number of unemployed young people in the country, yet it continues to be savaged by the coalition’s cuts. Investment in our young people is an investment in our future and not simply a “deadweight cost”, as ministers have described the lifeline the EMA gives to thousands of low-income students and their families.

Aaron Porter NUS, Sally Hunt UCU, Paul Kenny GMB, Tony Woodley Unite, Dave Prentis Unison, Dr Mary Bousted ATL, Christine Blower NUT, Mark Serwotka PCS, Chris Keates NASUWT

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