The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has called on the government to reform the current apprenticeship process to make it easier for businesses to take on young people.
In response to a series of measures announced this week by skills minister John Hayes, the industry group warned that although many firms are eager to give more youngsters a chance, they are often deterred from doing so by the “administrative burden” that comes with existing arrangements.
“Retailers are firm supporters of apprenticeships,” said BRC director general Stephen Robertson. “Simplifying the system should make the process easier for businesses and ensure more apprenticeship opportunities are created.”
Mr Robertson welcomed the plans outlined by Mr Hayes and insisted BRC members are keen to hire more youngsters, with one-third of shop staff under the age of 25. He urged the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to ensure the initiative is put into practice as quickly as possible.
Earlier in the week, supermarket giant Sainsbury’s revealed it intends to hire 15,000 seasonal workers this Christmas – up by around 1,000 on the same period in 2010.
