HIT Training share advice on Brexit and the Apprenticeship Levy

In the wake of last week’s shock Brexit verdict, businesses across the Hospitality Industry are experiencing many uncertainties. However, despite the multitude of unanswered questions, Jill Whittaker, Managing Director of HIT Training, advises businesses to carry on as normal with regards to plans for the Apprenticeship Levy.

“There is no denying that the decision to leave the EU is one which is going to have implications for businesses in the Hospitality Industry. In this period of unease, there is one thing which we do know – the Apprenticeship Levy is still planned to be introduced from April 2017, as confirmed by Skills Minister, Nick Boles, at the AELP Conference on 28 June.

“Although the planned Government announcement to release further details on the Levy has been pushed back from mid-June to mid-July, as a result of Brexit, what remains clear is that there will be new funding frameworks for apprenticeships from April 2017 and businesses need to take steps now to prepare for this.

“One of the first things we advise Levy paying companies to do, is to take a look at their current staff training and development budget to ensure that most of the apprenticeship training budget can be reclaimed through the Levy. This will also highlight gaps in the training structure and identify areas which the legislation enables funding for. One of the biggest benefits of the Levy, is that the funding isn’t just limited to apprenticeships for new staff members, it can be used right across an organisation to up-skill the whole team – even through to senior management and supervisory positions.

“The Apprenticeship Levy will bring an extra £1 billion a year to pay for apprenticeships in England, increasing spend from £1.5 billion to £2.5 billion annually. If maximised by employers, the funding can be used to up-skill the whole Industry, ensuring businesses have highly trained workforces – something which will be essential when it comes to reacting to any associated implications of the referendum.”

For more information on HIT Training and to download the Apprenticeship Levy Handbook, please visit: www.hittraining.co.uk/apprenticeship-levy.

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 16 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 560,000 followers across Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.