The abolition of employers’ National Insurance contributions for apprentices announced in last week’s Autumn Statement will be a boost for Stockport firms and young people, according to Hazel Grove constituency’s MP, Andrew Stunell.
Across the UK, two million people have started an apprenticeship during the lifetime of this parliament.
This highlights the continued success of apprenticeships since 2010 in giving people the skills they need to get on and in supporting businesses of all sizes to grow their talent.
Left: The opening of the Apprenticeship store in Stockport
The decision, announced last week by the Chancellor George Osborne, cuts the cost to an employer of taking on a new apprentice. Employers taking on an apprentice will no longer have to pay National Insurance Contributions for apprentices aged under 25 on earnings up to the upper earnings limit.
Commenting Lisa Smart, Prospective MP for Hazel Grove, said:
“Stockport businesses have a great record for taking on and training young people. This move will cut their costs and be a great incentive to start more apprenticeships for young people, helping them to get their foot on their career ladder. It’s a win-win deal for all!”
Over 2,700 apprenticeships were created in Stockport in the last 12 months, including the 100 apprenticeships in 100 days campaign and has contributed to a fall in youth unemployment which has fallen by half since 2010.
Andrew Stunell MP said:
“More and more young people are seeing an apprenticeship as a good route to gaining skills and long-term employment, and I’m delighted that Vince Cable has pushed so hard for this in Government. It is producing success we can all be proud of.”
Stockport Council was ranked in the top 100 employers for apprenticeships in England and the country’s first Apprenticeship Store was opened in Stockport Exchange.
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