In response to today’s announcement by CIPD that the number of new apprenticeships has fallen by up to two fifths since the introduction of the government’s levy system, Jonathan Walker, Head of Infrastructure at business group Logistics UK commented:
“This research reflects what we at Logistics UK have been saying for some time, that the current skills system is not fit for purpose and does not meet the needs of our sector.
“As well as investing for the long-term through apprenticeships, employers need the flexibility to be able to provide real time, appropriate training which may not necessarily fit the apprenticeship model – once again, we are urging government to reconsider the way the system is structured to meet the needs of both employers and employees more effectively.”
The CIPD research shows that there has been a 41% decline in the number of apprenticeship starts for those under the age of 19 since the scheme came into force.
Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk
