Prior to last week’s referendum result, Skills Minister Nick Boles had stated that a leave vote could lead to the abolishment of the apprenticeship levy, due to be implemented in April 2017, owing to a lack of business confidence after leaving the single market. However, it seems this is not to be the case as he announced yesterday to the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) conference that businesses should continue to plan for the introduction of the levy as they were before.
He did go on to confirm that there would be a “little delay” in certain details. June was meant to see confirmation on a number of points including:
- The provisional funding bands. This would set out the maximum amount of funding available for each apprenticeship from April 2017.
- For those who aren’t levy paying employers, the provisional level of the government support that will be available towards the cost of apprenticeship training from April 2017.
- The provisional level of the extra payment you can get for hiring 16 to 18 year old apprentices, from April 2017.
- The provisional amount that will be paid for English and maths training for apprentices who may need it.
- The eligibility rules that set out who you are able to spend apprenticeship funding on and where.
While there will be a delay in these details being declared following the referendum result, Mr Boles confirmed that they will be announced before their summer break which commences on 15th July.
He went on to reassure the conference that the commitment towards apprenticeships and future skills development was still a priority for the Conservative government, and this is not predicted to change with a new Prime Minister in October.
If you have any questions about how the apprenticeship levy will affect you, you can contact Aspire Training Team on 01202 551553 or email info@aspiretrainingteam.co.uk.
