Gordon Marsden MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Apprenticeships, speaking following the Government’s U-turn on apprenticeship funding proposals, said:

“The Government have had to make a major U-turn to their original proposals for funding apprenticeships which would have disadvantaged tens of thousands of 16-18 year old young people, colleges and providers.

“This is after a sustained campaign from our front-bench, David Lammy and other MP’s, FE Week, colleges and providers.

“However, there still remain big question marks over the Government’s apprenticeship targets and policies, and we need to see the detail on transitional funding for disadvantaged areas. Labour will continue pressing them strongly for urgent answers on the digital service, the Institute for Apprenticeships, resources and capacity.