In recent years the number of
apprenticeships has risen sharply and they have become
more attractive to employers as the previously tough contractual
protections afforded by apprenticeship agreements have been watered down.
As long as the apprentice contract contains appropriate clauses it can be
treated in a similar vein to other employment contracts, with apprentices
needing two years' service, like other employees, to be able to claim unfair
dismissal. Previously it was almost impossible to make an apprentice
redundant without breaching their contract; that is no longer the case.
Apprentice pay is another factor that some employers will consider attractive. An apprentice is currently only entitled to £2.73 per hour*, which reflects the fact that they are benefiting from on the job training as well as working.
However, the Business Secretary,
Vince Cable, recently announced his wish to bolster apprentice pay in order to
make the apprenticeship route more attractive to young people. He has
asked the Low Pay Commission to consider how apprentice pay could be improved,
suggesting that it be brought in line with the 16 and 17 year old National
Minimum Wage rate in October 2015. That rate is currently £3.79 per hour.
