The government must do everything in its power to help small businesses create apprenticeships.

According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), employment legislation and a lack of clarity make it difficult for firms to take apprentices on and equip young people with the skills they need for life in the workplace.

The organisation is calling on the coalition to provide funding to allow micro-businesses to create apprenticeships and make small companies exempt from the Time to Train legislation due to come into force later in the year.

John Walker, national chairman of the FSB, said that by relieving the burden on small businesses, the government will be doing a lot to help young people who are currently unemployed.

"It's time for action. We recognise that at a time of austerity not all businesses can receive financial incentives to take on an apprentice and that is why we are urging the government to ensure that the smallest micro-businesses still receive funding," he added.

Technology giant Microsoft has this week revealed plans to create more than 1,000 apprenticeships in London over the next three years.
 

• Visit Employment & Training

All articles