UK employers warn of youth jobs risk from higher older worker training costs
Major businesses caution that increased apprenticeship fees for over-25s could undermine government efforts to create youth employment opportunities.
At a glance
- Government plans to increase apprenticeship training costs for over-25s by 25%
- Scheme aims to encourage businesses to prioritise training younger workers
- Major employers warn the policy could damage youth employment goals
- Changes would affect England's apprenticeship funding system
Britain's largest employers have cautioned the government that raising training costs for workers over 25 could harm efforts to address youth unemployment. According to The Guardian, ministers are planning to increase the cost of apprenticeship training for over-25s in England by 25% to incentivise firms to hire younger workers instead.
The proposed overhaul of the apprenticeship funding scheme has prompted concerns from major employers about potential unintended consequences for the government's youth jobs strategy.
Why it matters
The policy reflects government efforts to tackle youth unemployment, but employer concerns suggest the approach may need refinement to achieve its intended objectives.
Original reporting
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