BCC: Apprenticeship Levy reform step in the right direction, but more to do

Commenting on the announcement by Minister for Skills and Apprenticeships, Anne Milton, on lifting some restrictions on the transfer of apprenticeship service funds, Jane Gratton, Head of Business Environment and Skills at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The BCC has long been calling for an end to the restrictions that limit businesses from accessing the Apprenticeship Levy. Softening the rules around fund transfers is a step in the right direction.

“Levy-paying employers across the country will welcome today’s announcement that the limit on levy transfers is to be lifted, helping more companies in their supply chain to access high quality apprenticeships and close the skills gap that threatens future productivity and competitiveness. That said, we’d like the government to go further and allow Levy-paying firms to transfer a higher percentage of their unused Levy within the supply chain – increasing it from 10% to 50% - so that more people benefit.

“It’s vital that businesses have more flexible access to the Apprenticeship Levy, so that they can train more people in their workforce and create exciting new job opportunities for young people starting their careers.