Small business insurance holders should be given more government support in recruiting apprentices, it has been suggested.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has submitted a range of proposals to promote the use of apprentices in the workplace, including a pay rise from £95 to £123 per week.
In addition, the scheme recommends that training funding is redirected to the smallest business insurance customers, while financial incentives should be extended to those offering the schemes.
John Wright, national chairman of the FSB, said that the majority of small business insurance holders would like to take on an apprentice but are put off by the lack of financial support and the amount of administration involved.
"The government must make it easier for the smallest firms to create apprenticeships and should put in place a group apprenticeship programme to bring employers and apprentices together," he explained.
Recently, the FSB said the government should help small companies to run more internship programmes.
