A BASILDON training provider has gone into administration immediately after an ongoing dispute with the government.

LifeSkills, located in Town Square Basildon, has today informed staff and learners that the business will be placed into administration.

The social enterprise was formed in 2002 in Bethnal Green with training centres subsequently set up in Basildon, Lowestoft, and Rotherham.

They provide post-16 education and training programmes and aimed to equip learners with the skills they need in the modern world in order to get the jobs they want.

It currently works with more than 470 students.

Unfortunately, LifeSkills claim they have suffered from an ongoing dispute with the ESFA / Department for Education, which has affected funding and made the social enterprise unviable.

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As a result, all 80 staff will be made redundant following the appointment and the business will cease trading from close of business on Friday, October 14.

A spokesperson for LifeSkills, said: “Over the last 20 years, LifeSkills has done some wonderful work and we are proud to have supported the learning of over 22,000 young people.

“While we have tried everything to save the company, this has not been possible and we are incredibly sad to be in this situation – we would like to thank our brilliant team for all of their hard work and for creating a truly wonderful company.”

Kris Wigfield and Joanne Hammond of Begbies Traynor have been appointed as joint administrators.

Kris Wigfield of Begbies Traynor added: “Whilst we have not managed to find a purchaser during the timeframe we were given, should anybody have a genuine interest in purchasing the business, please contact Richard Temple at Eddisons (0113 243 0101). 

“Our immediate priority over the coming days will be to assist the students and employees as much as we possibly can.”

Department for Education has been contacted for comment.