REDUCTIONS IN SKILLS FUNDING AGENCY STAFFING

That this House condemns the reduction of staff numbers at the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) from 1,355 to 925; notes that these ideological cuts to staffing will have a detrimental effect on the delivery of apprenticeships and the National Careers Service; is concerned that that detriment will increase the potential for fraud and will be felt by small and medium-sized employers which may not be able to take on apprenticeships if they do not have contact and support from staff of the SFA; further notes that these ideological cuts contradict the Government's commitment to apprenticeships; and calls on the Government to acknowledge the value and dedication of staff working within the SFA and to commit to further recruitment in the agency to enable them to deliver on apprenticeships.