Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said:

“The apprenticeship starts data for July shows a modest step in the right direction, but it’s clear that the Levy still isn’t living up to its ambitions. Two years on from system’s introduction, the overall number of apprenticeship starts remains significantly down and urgent reform is needed.

“Businesses are crying out for clarity from the Government on how their levy funds are being used. They hear speculation that the Levy is overspent, yet feel they are paying in far more than they can draw down for training.

“Many companies want the Apprenticeship Levy to broaden into a Flexible Skills Levy to deliver more of the high-quality training they need to succeed.  The Government must make good on its promise to launch a public consultation on its Levy plans as soon as possible.”