Online poll reveals top issues for UK ‘virgin voters’
- Added:
- Mar 16, 2010
Education, employment and the economy are the top issues for first-time voters, according to a new poll.
The research completed by independent education foundation Edge marks the launch of the first ever election broadcast generated completely by the public which outlines what the public would like changed to the education system and will air to the three main political parties on Tuesday 16th March.
Education is an important election issue for the country’s 18-22 year olds, followed by employment, the economy and health and social care.
Reflecting widely-held concerns in the current recession, two fifths of young people (44 per cent) say they believe education is more important now than it was at the last election.
Fresh out of school themselves, a third (38 per cent) say they don’t think education in this country works well. If they were in charge, various changes would be made - more than three quarters (78 per cent) would introduce more practical and vocational learning, 74 per cent increased work-based options, and 71 per cent a broader curriculum.
The findings by Edge are revealed ahead of the launch of the first ever election broadcast generated completely by the public at the House of Commons on Tuesday 16th March. The broadcast gives the public, including young people, a voice on the changes they would like make to the education system including more practical and vocational learning.
Three quarters (74 per cent) of first time voters say the government should ensure there are enough university places to accommodate the number of people who want to go to there.
As far as Britain’s virgin voters are concerned, Labour and Conservative are neck and neck both scoring 16 per cent on who has the best education policy. Perhaps more telling is that 43 per cent of young people don't know if there are significant differences in the main parties' education policies, suggesting that the parties are failing to get their messages across to first-time voters.
Chairman of Edge, Lord Baker, commented: “Edge has provided a platform for the public to have their say via all methods of communication from Twitter to video messages. The outcome is the first ever election broadcast generated completely by the public.
“The time is right for the next Government to make sure the current system helps all young people realise their individual talents. They must be able to recognise the many paths to success that come from a high quality education combining academic, practical and vocational learning.”
Edge is inviting the general public teachers, parents and young people, to watch the broadcast ahead of this year’s general election at www.edge.co.uk/haveyoursay and to have their say.
The research was conducted by PCP Ltd between 18th February and 1st March 2010. Total sample size was 1537 people aged 18 and over living in England. Responses were obtained online. A quota was set to ensure 500 responses were obtained from people aged between 18 and 22 who would not have voted in the last election. Results were weighted by age and region to be representative of the population.
