20th July 2023

Improvements to the apprenticeship system

The government is taking steps to make it easier for employers to hire and train apprentices, while ensuring apprenticeships align with current industry needs. For small businesses, the onboarding process will be streamlined, evidence collection for eligibility will be reduced, and small employers can start apprentices immediately after registering for funding, eliminating paperwork delays. Additionally, the government is launching a 'single digital starting point' for the skills system to consolidate various skill offers, making it easier for learners and employers to find suitable learning or apprenticeship opportunities. Overall, these initiatives aim to streamline the hiring process, ensure relevant skills training, and connect learners and employers with suitable opportunities.

Change in Universal Credit claims for childcare

The Department of Work and Pensions has raised how much parents on Universal Credit can claim for childcare. Low-earning parents on Universal Credit are now able to claim a monthly value of up to £951 for one child, or £1,630 for two or more (an increase of 47% on previous limits). The Government is also helping eligible parents cover the costs for the first month of childcare when they enter work or increase their hours. The changes are designed to support low earning parents into employment or to increase their hours, so they have the opportunity to progress in their careers and boost their finances.

Have your say on the future of catering and hospitality occupations

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education is planning activities as part of the ongoing catering and hospitality route review. The review is looking at how their products are working for employers and ensuring they have the correct occupations on the catering and hospitality occupation map.

As leaders and experts in the catering and hospitality sector, they see you as key to the activities they are undertaking. This includes the launch of their survey on 8 June, available here. 

Disability Action Plan revealed 

This week, the Government released new Disability Action Plan aimed at improving the lives of disabled people in the country. The plan, which is open for consultation, encompasses various measures to create a more inclusive society. The Disability Action Plan complements the National Disability Strategy, outlining the government's long-term vision for improving disabled people's lives.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks, allowing disabled individuals, disability organizations, charities, and other stakeholders to provide input and shape the final Disability Action Plan, with the ultimate goal of placing disabled people at the centre of decision-making processes.

Acas Flexible Working Consultation

Acas is updating its statutory Code of Practice on handling requests for flexible working in a reasonable manner, to reflect the anticipated reforms to legislation. This will ensure the new Code is as relevant, clear and explanatory as possible and contributions from all interested individuals and organisations are welcomed.

The consultation commences 12 July 2023 and close on 6 September 2023. You can respond to the online form here.