SWG’s Post

Are you employing apprentices on National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates, or even slightly above? Did you know that one in four NMW underpayments involve apprentices? HMRC know paying the minimum wage correctly isn’t always as straight-forward as it looks – and it’s easy to make mistakes. They want to help you get things right.    Apprenticeships and associated risks To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2024, HMRC is offering 2 live webinars covering apprentices and associated minimum wage risks. Register via websites below to book your place: Wednesday 7 February – 1.30pm to 2.30pm https://lnkd.in/dfJkbQQD or Thursday 8 February – 11am to midday https://lnkd.in/dwyX_t2y HMRC expert advisers will be available to answer your minimum wage questions during these live webinars.

On April 1st, 2024, an important change regarding wages is coming for workers aged 21 and over in the UK. It's crucial to be aware and informed about these updates. Introducing the National Living Wage: Workers aged 21 and over: £11.44 per hour Ages 18 to 20: £8.60 per hour Under 18: £6.40 per hour Apprentices: £6.40 per hour (unless in the first year of apprenticeship) For apprentices, it's essential to understand the rates: If under 19 or in the first year of apprenticeship: £6.40 per hour Aged 19 or over and in the first year of apprenticeship: £5.28 per hour Aged 21 or over and completed the first year of apprenticeship: £10.18 per hour #StayUpdated #nationalminimumwage #ClearcutAccounting

Did you know that The National Apprenticeship Wage is going to rise by 21%? The wage rise will go from £5.28 to £6.40 per hour for apprentices from April. 💸 #Wagerise #Nationalapprenticeshipwage #Increase

Several large businesses are calling for the “government to reform the National Apprenticeship Levy to make it more flexible and simpler for employers like us to access the money and provide vital opportunities and career development for our colleagues.” Businesses and groups calling for Apprenticeship Levy reform include the British Retail Consortium, the CIPD, Co-op, Currys, the Federation of Wholesale Distribution and the National Federation of Builders. Among those calling for extensive reforms of the levy to improve access to the funds is the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, which outlined a three-point approach to remodelling the system: - access to levy funds for training for temporary workers; - targeted funding across levels 2-6 to address labour and skills shortages better; - and flexing the levy to fund high-quality, modular, practical courses. Currently, the Apprenticeship Levy functions by requiring large firms, which spend at least £3m on their annual payroll, to dedicate 0.5% of this amount to training arrangements for apprentices, which is topped up by an extra 10% from the government. Smaller companies also receive assistance from the government in training apprentices. Funds that are not used by levy-paying employers within 24 months expire and are handed back to the government. #recruitment #apprentice #apprenticeshiplevy

Extract from a recent HMRC post: "Are you employing apprentices on National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates, or even slightly above? Did you know that one in four NMW underpayments involve apprentices? We know paying the minimum wage correctly isn’t always as straight-forward as it looks – and it’s easy to make mistakes. We want to help you get things right. Apprenticeships and associated risks To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2024, HMRC is offering 2 live webinars covering apprentices and associated minimum wage risks. Wednesday 7 February – 1.30pm to 2.30pm Thursday 8 February – 11am to midday Our expert advisers will be available to answer your minimum wage questions during these live webinars." #NAW2024 #nationalapprenticeshipweek #support #NMW

📢 Great news for apprentices! The national minimum wage for apprentices is set to increase by 21% to £6.40 per hour from April 2024. 📈 Read more about the topic in this The Apprenticeship Guide article 👇

Apprentice Decent Wage Pledge What is the Back the Future Campaign? We are a collective of employers, intermediaries and apprenticeship training providers who believe we should be backing the UK’s future talent pipeline by not paying apprentice minimum wages, but by providing decent and fair pay for all apprentices employed in the UK. We are committed to addressing social mobility issues by ensuring individuals are not ... https://lnkd.in/ecgD-3fA

A new U.S. Department of Labor rule will promote apprenticeships and tighten program labor standards! In this insightful article by Kathryn Moody of Higher Ed Dive, Moody discusses a recently proposed rule (Dec. 14) that intends to strengthen labor standards and worker protections, as well as better promote apprenticeship pathways. The regulation incorporates a initiative known as the "registered career and technical education apprenticeship," aimed at streamlining the process for full-time high school and community college students to join the apprenticeship system with greater ease. “Equity and job quality have marked the most successful Registered Apprenticeship programs for workers and employers alike. This proposed rule codifies the Department of Labor’s strong commitment to these principles,” Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su said in a statement. “Importantly, the proposed changes will also provide strong worker protections, improved employer experiences and greater clarity about the roles of federal and state governments and their partners in the National Apprenticeship System.” Read more in the article linked below! 👇 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g9edvfb5

Breaking! But what of the 45.7% who do not achieve? I understand the immense challenges involved in delivering apprenticeships, from navigating compliance requirements to meeting strict quality standards, and the often complex process of evidencing off-the-job learning for employers. Despite the exceptional learning experiences taking place in workplaces, achieving success can be elusive for many. I have personally observed the dedication and hard work of providers, colleges, and their staff in supporting learners through their apprenticeship journeys. Moreover, the issue of functional skills remains a significant concern, as highlighted in our recent sector discussion. While apprenticeships offer a valuable pathway for both young individuals and adults, the current 54.3% achievement rate falls short of expectations. This prompts me to consider (again): What is the solution? What recommendations would you propose?