Written question

We want more people to have the income, opportunities and purpose that work provides. That is why the Government is increasing funding for employment support to more than £4.0 billion per year by 2028-29, to help people access the skills and support they need for work. This includes our Pathways to Work Guarantee which will provide work, health, and skills support for disabled people and those with health conditions claiming out of work benefits. It also includes £2.5 billion of investment in the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy over the next three years – supporting almost one million young people and helping to deliver up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn. We are expanding youth hubs to over 360 locations over the next three years, including in North Somerset.

In addition, businesses are able to claim employer NICs reliefs including those for under-21s and under-25 apprentices. This means employers pay no employer NICs for apprentices under 25 or employees under 21 on earnings up to £50,270.