smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

A promising venture

Previously, we’ve looked at the reasons why many describe the...
Have your say »

RSS

‘Pay apprentices more,’ says the FSB

Jul 30 2009

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling for higher wages for apprentices to encourage more young people into the scheme.

The group says that the minimum wage for apprentices should be increased from £95 to £123 per week and that the government should reduce the administrative burden on small businesses taking part in the initiative.

John Wright, chairman of the FSB, says that majority of its members would be in favour of an increase in the minimum wage for apprentices.

Wright adds: ‘This would give them more of an incentive to complete the traineeship and give employers a higher chance of serious applicants for the position.’

Last month the group called for a designated body to help the UK’s smallest companies access government training programmes.

Comments

There are currently no comments on this article

FREE Legal, Financial, Accountancy & HR Help

Aska Professional understands the challenges faced by small businesses. That’s why we provide instant access to professional advice and legal templates. FREE access to Solicitors, Accountants, Financial Advisors & HR Specialists. Ask our experts a question and get a personal response within 60 minutes. Sign up now to ask a question - FREE.

Bupa for Businesses

We understand that all businesses are different. To help you choose the right healthcare package for you and your employees, call us today on 08457 66 11 15 or alternatively find out more here.

Hiscox business insurance for small & medium businesses

Hiscox offer specialist business insurance for office based professionals and consultants. Hiscox understand's every business is different and work hard to understand the specific risks small businesses face. Find out which business insurance is suitable for you.

Polls

Latest News

The apprenticeship funding follows a £25 million provision last year

Latest apprenticeship fund unveiled

A new £6 million round of government funding has been allocated to support thousands of degree-level higher apprenticeships.

Duvet day for 400,000

‘National Sickie Day’ will cost UK businesses more than £34 million, a business support specialist predicts.

Nameless CVs for fairer hiring

Businesses should encourage all job applicants to send in CVs that do not identify their name or ethnic background, says an employment law specialist.

TUC rallies against tribunal fees

Introducing fees to take claims to employment tribunals could be a huge barrier to equality at work, says the Trades Union Congress.

Jobs market to remain unstable in 2012

Unemployment has hit a 17-year high of 8.4 per cent, finds data.

Higher education not developing work skills

A fifth of UK employers believe school leavers make better employees than university graduates.

Forum supports education-level skills boost

The Forum of Private Business has welcomed government plans to improve how IT is taught in UK schools to better prepare young people for work.

Employee pay rewards stagnant in 2011

The majority of company staff saw their pay packets remain static or shrink in 2011.

Employment opportunities on the rise

Job opportunities were 17 per cent higher in December compared to the same period in 2010 and more than a fifth higher than two years ago, according to the latest Reed Job Index.

Lawyers fear 'hire and fire' culture following HR proposals

More than three quarters of employment lawyers believe the proposed employment law reforms announced last month will lead to a ‘hire and fire’ culture within small businesses.

Jobs market on 'dangerous trajectory'

Unemployment will only stop rising when businesses regain their confidence, an industry expert says.

Guides & Tips

Top tips to cope with Christmas

With staff dropping their work rate and the danger of the Christmas party getting out of hand, the festive period can leave small business owners with a major headache. Use this guide to ease the pain.

What I'm reading now: Get The Job You Really Want

Entrepreneur Michael Kraftman reviews James Caan's latest book on finding success in the job market.

Two-thirds of company directors hire more employees for their business this year

The right recruit

SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to company directors about how to minimise the hassle of hiring staff.

Don't Miss

Modern graduates face a highly competitive job market

First-class employees

Attracting the best graduate to your company is easier if you show an understanding of their journey from higher education to workplace.

Seven ways to beat stress

Michael Jackson, chairman of leading technology venture capitalist Elderstreet Investments, gives SmallBusiness.co.uk his tips for dealing with stress.

Making staff cuts doesn't mean you have to give people the axe.

Reducing salary

There are other ways of reducing your staffing budget without having to take the axe to your workforce.

Store

FT Guide to Personal Tax

The FT Guide to Personal Tax is published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and John Bloxham, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc. This unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.