From today, 1 September 2020, employers can apply for incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice to their business. Lots of organisations have already expressed an interest in this scheme, announced on 8 July during the Summer Statement by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
The incentive is worth £2000 for each apprentice aged 16 to 24 and £1500 for each apprentice aged 25 or over. This is in addition to existing incentives and support based on company size, age or apprentice background.
The incentive payment can be use on anything to support the organisation’s costs; facilities, travel, uniforms or to support salaries, therefore providing a welcome boost to many businesses.
To be eligible for the payment you must:
- Hire new apprentice(s) between 1 August 2020 and 31 January 2021 using the Apprenticeship Service
- Apply for the payment once the new apprentice(s) have been added to your Apprenticeship Service Account
- Payment will be made in 2 equal instalments once the apprentice(s) have completed 90 and 365 days of their apprenticeship
You can learn more at apprenticeships.gov.uk