SOME 4,000 students in Cumbria have had their learning either disrupted or completely stopped as a result of the foot-and-mouth disease.
The local learning and skills council has surveyed the impact of the outbreak in the county - one of the worst hit in the country. It says Cumbria will be feeling the effects well into the winter and then the coming year.
Student recruitment will be down next year, there have bee delays in assessments (which will affect the achievement of qualifications), and many apprentices have been laid off.
Placements in the hospitality, retail and tourism sectors have been difficult to find. The construction industry has also been hit with business incapable or unwilling to undertake refurbishments.
Students and staff in infected areas have suffered from depression and emotional problems.