SKILLS FUNDING AGENCY

That this House is concerned by the Government's restructuring of how apprenticeships are delivered and funded in the UK; notes that the current proposals will see a reduction of 30 per cent in current staffing levels at the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) which is entirely devoted to promoting apprenticeships and assisting employers who are taking part in apprenticeship schemes; further notes that the proposed restructuring will place burdens on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that currently benefit from SFA assistance and advice; is concerned that any additional burdens on SMEs such as training will result in a reduction of apprenticeships due to the time and financial constraints which will inevitably be placed on SMEs; and calls on the Government to halt its restructuring programme and consult fully with staff and their representatives as well as SMEs that currently benefit from the SFA in its current form.