Apprenticeship levy guidance a good step towards implementation in 2017, says TUC

Commenting on the publication today (Friday) of revised government guidance on the apprenticeships levy, along with a confirmation that the levy will be introduced by April 2017, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“After the vote to leave the EU, it is vitally important that we make a serious investment in skills. The levy must be implemented on schedule by April 2017. Decent apprenticeships boost productivity and ensure that Britain is ready for the jobs of tomorrow.

“Today’s guidance should bring some much-needed certainty. It is particularly welcome that employers will be able to use the levy to support apprenticeships in their supply chains, not just their own company. This means real benefits for whole sectors of our economy, not just individual companies.  

“Unionlearn, the TUC and trade unions across the UK are looking forward to working with employers to prepare for the levy’s introduction in April 2017. 

NOTES TO EDITORS: 
- The new guidance on the apprenticeship levy can be read on the Department for Education website, here: www.gov.uk/government/news/views-sought-on-plans-to-boost-apprenticeshi…;
- The apprenticeships levy is a charge paid by employers to boost investment in apprenticeships. It involves a 0.5% charge on paybills of over £3 million (less than 2% of employers). Each employer will receive an allowance of £15,000 to offset against their levy payment.
- Unionlearn is the learning and skills organisation of the TUC, working to help unions deliver learning opportunities for their members.
- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
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