MPs have warned that secondary schools in England are using teaching assistants and receptionists to give pupils careers advice, which came as members of the Commons Education Committee questioned Education Secretary Nicky Morgan over a lack of adequate advice for young people.
Labour MP Alex Cunningham said research by Unison in June found 83% of schools did not employ any professional careers adviser and the role was being picked up by other, less qualified members of staff. Committee chair Graham Stuart said he had heard of a receptionist giving careers advice.
Ms Morgan responded by saying it was up to schools to make their own decisions about suitable people to give the advice. She admitted careers advice was not up to scratch in some areas, but said the schools she visited were concerned about their pupils’ future careers.
