Government could impose fee to take on apprentices

Beauty and hair salon owners are being called upon to voice their views on the Government proposal to force employers to pay a contribution towards training apprentices.

As part of a major review of apprentice schemes across all industries, the Government has proposed that apprenticeships should include “a compulsory employer cash contribution for a significant proportion of the external training and assessment costs”.

Industry association the National Hairdressing Federation (NHF) has expressed concerns that the proposal could damage positive steps made to apprenticeship standards as part of the recent Trailblazer initiative. The NHF is planning to make a formal submission to government, highlighting the views of member and non-member salon owners on the subject.

NHF chief Hilary hall said, “Our members are telling is that the additional cost of employing apprentices, alongside the wages they already pay, is likely to put them off taking on apprentices. There are too many unanswered questions, and dealing with funding is yet another burden on small businesses. The last thing we want is for Government funding reforms to undermine all the recent positive developments on apprenticeship standards.”  

Hall added that proposals for reform so far have been largely positive.

The NHF is inviting salon owners to take part in its poll on the issue, and will be bringing the views of the industry forward to Government. Have your say here.

We also want to know your thoughts on taking on apprentices in your beauty salons and spas, please enter our poll here.