6 September 2011
Waveney MP Peter Aldous today commented as the Government outlined new measures on cutting red tape deterring employers from taking on apprentices.
Skills Minister John Hayes has announced a package of new measures to make it easier for employers to take on large numbers of apprentices.
Payments will be simplified, contracts streamlined and a number of data returns and audit requirements will be eliminated.
Mr Hayes said that firms that contract directly with the Government to train apprentices will now benefit from simplified payment, reporting and assessment requirements.
They will also receive better guidance to help them manage the recruitment, training and assessment of apprentices more efficiently and cost effectively.
Commenting Mr Aldous said:
“I fully support the Government doing all it can to make it easier to take on apprentices. Apprenticeships are an increasingly effective training route for young people to gain the specific skills they need to fill skills gaps in our economy. These new measures will help cut the overly complex procedures that have put many businesses off and ensure that the benefits to our young people and to the economy are maximised.”
Action plan for cutting red tape
Measures for cutting red tape for employers include:
These measures follow the recommendations of a review led by the Employer Reference Group, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and large companies, including BT and TUI Travel.
Skills Minister John Hayes has announced a package of new measures to make it easier for employers to take on large numbers of apprentices.
Payments will be simplified, contracts streamlined and a number of data returns and audit requirements will be eliminated.
Mr Hayes said that firms that contract directly with the Government to train apprentices will now benefit from simplified payment, reporting and assessment requirements.
They will also receive better guidance to help them manage the recruitment, training and assessment of apprentices more efficiently and cost effectively.
Commenting Mr Aldous said:
“I fully support the Government doing all it can to make it easier to take on apprentices. Apprenticeships are an increasingly effective training route for young people to gain the specific skills they need to fill skills gaps in our economy. These new measures will help cut the overly complex procedures that have put many businesses off and ensure that the benefits to our young people and to the economy are maximised.”
Action plan for cutting red tape
Measures for cutting red tape for employers include:
- A pilot for over 20 large employers who have volunteered to trial “payment by outcomes” which will eliminate a number of data returns and audit requirements.
- Providing an online plain-English toolkit for employers that clearly explains the end-to-end processes employers need to undertake for apprenticeships.
- Streamlining contracting arrangements.
- A commitment to no “in year” changes to contracting arrangements.
- A more proportionate approach to audit and inspection - reducing preparation time for employers.
- Greater use of electronic information, thus reducing paperwork.
- A more streamlined certification process.
These measures follow the recommendations of a review led by the Employer Reference Group, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and large companies, including BT and TUI Travel.
