Monday 8 August 2016

New survey finds businesses want more flexibility for apprenticeship levy

More than a third of London business decision makers would like to be able to use funds from the Government's new apprenticeship levy on alternative streams of training, a new survey has found.

A poll conducted by London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), in partnership with ComRes found:

- 36% of businesses thought they should be able to spend business funding from the levy on existing in-house training that is not an apprenticeship
- 38% wanted to be able to transfer credit to smaller companies within their supply chain to spend on apprenticeships or training
- 35% would like the option of using it to fund external training

The levy, to be introduced in April 2017 requires employers with a wage bill of £3million or more to pay 0.5% of that bill in order to help pay for the delivery of three million apprenticeships.

Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Colin Stanbridge said:

"LCCI supports efforts to promote and create apprenticeships but has found that smaller companies have found it bureaucratic whereas larger firms have more resources to offer apprenticeships in larger volumes.

"What has become clear here is that businesses would like to see more flexibility in how they can apply funds as a result of the levy. Sometimes it is more effective for firms to give existing staff extra training, or indeed transfer the levy to a smaller firm within their supply chain which is more likely to benefit.

"While we support the principle the Government needs to be very careful not to fall into the trap of one size fits all."

ENDS

Media contact
Katharine McGee
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: kmcgee@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:
1. London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital's largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.
2. Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive, is available for further comment and interview.
3. ComRes surveyed 508 London business decision makers online between 16th May and 6th June 2016. Data were weighted to be representative of all London businesses by size and broad industry sector.
4. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Data tables are available at www.comres.co.uk.