270 apprenticeships would be cut in Uxbridge and South Ruislip under Labour, whilst Conservative Government delivers major package of reforms to support apprenticeships and SMEs.
Since 2010, the Conservative Government have created a world-class apprenticeship system, delivering over 5.7 million apprenticeships since 2010 and offering more opportunities for young people to gain the skills they need to succeed and helping to grow the economy. Building on this strong track record, the Prime Minister has announced that the Conservative Government will fully fund apprenticeships for young people in small businesses from 1 April 2024 and increase the amount of funding that large employers who are paying the Apprenticeship Levy can pass onto other businesses from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.
The Labour Party would halve apprenticeships by 66 per cent in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, letting down our young people. The Conservative Government’s plan is working and if we stick with it, we can continue to ensure young people get the skills they need to secure high-skilled jobs for a brighter future.
I welcome the Conservative Government’s major package of reforms to support businesses to deliver more apprenticeship places, benefitting local small businesses across Uxbridge and South Ruislip. Backed by £60 million of new Government funding for 2024-25, this means that the Conservative Government will fully fund apprenticeships in small businesses from 1 April by paying the full cost of training for anyone up to the age of 21– reducing costs and burdens for businesses and delivering more opportunities for young people to kickstart their career.
The Conservative Government will also increase the amount of funding that large employers who are paying the Apprenticeship Levy can pass onto other businesses – from 25 per cent of their unused Levy to 50 per cent. Taken together, these measures are expected to enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships, unlocking the opportunities our young people deserve.
However, this would all be at risk under a Labour Government – taking us back to square one with 270 apprenticeships at risk of being cut in Uxbridge and South Ruislip due to Labour proposals. The choice is clear. We can stick with the plan that is working as the under Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives, which is creating more opportunities for our young people to gain the skills they need to succeed in life so they can build a brighter future. Or we can go back to square one with Sir Keir Starmer and Labour, who can’t say what they’d do to boost apprenticeships because they don’t have a plan–taking us back to square one.
In the past year we have seen 540 young people in Uxbridge and South Ruislip start an apprenticeship, and many more since 2010, meaning thousands more young people have gained the skills they need to secure good jobs. All of this would be at risk under Labour, whose proposals mean that 270 apprenticeships in Uxbridge and South Ruislip would be cut, taking away vital opportunities for our young people. Labour cannot say how they would support young people because they do not have a plan, taking us back to square one. Only by sticking with the plan under Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives can we create a brighter future for all.
Commenting, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Growing up in my mum’s pharmacy, I know first-hand how important small businesses are. Not just for the economy, but as a driver for innovation and aspiration, and as the key to building a society where hard work is always recognised and rewarded. Whether it’s breaking down barriers and red tape for small businesses, helping businesses hire more young people into apprenticeships and skilled jobs or empowering women to start up their own businesses – this government is sticking to the plan and leaving no stone unturned to make the UK the best place to do business. Taken together, these measures will unlock a tidal wave of opportunity and make a real difference to businesses and entrepreneurs across the country.”
Commenting, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “This Government has built a world-leading apprenticeship system from the ground-up–with apprenticeship opportunities in almost 70 per cent of all occupations across the whole country. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for businesses to develop the skills they need, and for young people to access exciting career opportunities. Our plan to deliver a high-growth, high-skilled economy is working, with more opportunities available to young people than ever before.”
