Laura Sharman 02 December 2020

Apprenticeship levy is 'flawed' says London Councils

’Flaws’ in the apprenticeship levy are stopping councils from making use of the funds, London Councils has warned today.

A survey found that between April 2018 and March 2020, London boroughs only spent 26% of their levy, meaning nearly £38m was returned to the Government.

London Councils said this is due to various barriers within the current level system that prevent employers from making use of the funds, such as bearing the costs of the apprentice’s wages.

It is calling for the levy to be reformed to allow for pooling and joint purchasing of transferred apprenticeships, 10% of the levy funding to cover administration costs, and some funding to be used for pre-employment training.

Cllr Clare Coghill, London Councils’ executive member for skills and employment, said: ‘While the apprenticeship levy is a welcome financial boost, the system used to obtain these funds is flawed. The government needs to give employers more flexibility to allow our citizens to get the skills they need to succeed. They provide vital learning for talented Londoners to succeed as an alternative to academic programmes.

’The COVID-19 pandemic has already had a severe impact on apprenticeships with a huge drop in apprenticeship starts this financial year. This is a time when apprenticeships should be used to alleviate the risk of long-term unemployment.

'Because of these unnecessary barriers to the levy, Londoners are missing out on vital opportunities to gain skills and experience – skills that are essential to London’s recovery.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner