Statement in response to Equality Commission press release

Please see below SERCs official statement in response to Equality Commission press release:  

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) delivers the Training For Success programme under a contract from the Department for the Economy which sets the rules.  The College petitioned the Department for the Economy in support of Mr Adam Smyth, seeking to persuade them to make an exception to extend his course and access non-means tested allowances, however this was not accepted by the Department.  

SERC then developed a bespoke course to enable Mr Smyth to achieve his qualification.  While Mr Smyth was attending the bespoke course, during 2016/2017, he was paid a total of £1,674 Educational Maintenance Allowance, the maximum allowed under Departmental rules for his 34 weeks of study.    

SERC remains committed to supporting all students to reach their potential and SERC fulfils its equality duties according to Section 75; the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and the Special Educational Needs and Disability (NI) Order 2005.