Education chiefs have been accused of barring a trade union from holding an information event at the college.

Public sector union Prospect was stopped from holding the event, part of its Unions Week promotion, at University College Isle of Man.

The union - which has held similar events at the college previously without a problem - says it first lodged the request three weeks prior to proposed event.

After chasing up a response, the union was told by the college, with less than a week to go, that it would not be allowed to go ahead because it would only be ’fair’ to invite other unions and the college did not have the capacity.

Angela Moffatt, negotiations officer at Prospect, said: ’It was an educational thing.

’We always felt that it fitted in really well with the stated aims for the curriculum about social responsibility -about understanding different interest groups that operate within society.

’The key design is to give people information, so they can make informed choices.’

She said the military was invited into educational establishments to recruit and increase awareness, which she did not mind, but she could not understand why the attitude was different towards trade unions. Teenagers were among the most likely workers to be exploited, she added.

’The college caters for students aged 16 and over, some of whom work part-time.

’The government is, in effect, by failing to educate its students about trade unions, setting up young people to be exploited in the workplace.’

We contacted the Department of Education and Children, which said: ’UCM welcomes a wide variety of stakeholders but must ensure that, whether giving talks or displaying stalls in the foyer, (they) add value to the students’ educational experience.

’Prospect sought permission to have an information stand in the UCM foyer for staff and students on Wednesday, October 18.

’UCM requested more information about the purpose of the visit and, in subsequent correspondence, has invited Ms Moffatt in to UCM to speak to the principal but she has not yet taken up that invitation.’

From correspondence seen by this newspaper, the formal invitation for Ms Moffatt to speak to the principal was sent on October 20, after the planned event and after the union had contacted Education Minister Graham Cregeen.

We asked whether there was a blanket ban on trade unions carrying out awareness events at DEC premises, including careers events.

’Teaching unions occasionally use facilities at schools to hold meetings, both for that school’s membership and for wider events,’ said the spokesman.

The DEC confirmed that, ’as employers’, military organisations were permitted to visit educational establishments and attend careers events.

The Examiner also asked the department if it thought it was important for young adults about to enter the workplace to receive all information available about their rights and options.

’Children and young people should be given as many opportunities as possible to meet with employers, universities and other training bodies as and when this can be accommodated, and this should, of course, include information on employment rights,’ the spokesman replied.

’A vital part of UCM’s role is making students aware of their employment options and its careers education advice and guidance function is central to what it offers students.’

The college would welcome ’input into topics covering the value of unions in the workplace’.