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Commenting on the announcement yesterday (Thursday) by the Secretary of State for Business and Skills of a new apprenticeships scheme with fast-growing small and medium companies, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“High-quality apprenticeships are essential to improving opportunities for young people to enter decent jobs. We welcome the Business Secretary’s announcement of the new scheme for AIM quoted companies and its potential to give more young people the opportunity of an apprenticeship, especially those who are currently disadvantaged in the labour market.

“The government still has more work to do to ensure that all apprentices receive a decent wage, so we encourage ministers to prioritise progress on pay. Apprenticeships must never be exploited to get labour on the cheap, and it is essential that low pay is not a barrier to disadvantaged groups entering apprenticeships.”

 NOTES TO EDITORS:

• The new scheme will place apprentices in companies quoted on AIM, London Stock Exchange’s growth market for ambitious small and medium businesses. More information on the new scheme can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/britains-fastest-growing-companies-to-support-apprenticeship-recruitment
• All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
• Follow the TUC on Twitter: @tucnews