In the wake of the end of furlough on the 30th of September, the Government have announced £500m investment into measures designed to stem the rise in unemployment. Measures include the incentive for employers to take on apprentices extending until 31 January.
The announcement comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak said, speaking to those who have lost their job after furlough ending, ‘I want them to be reassured that we are throwing literally the kitchen sink at helping them get a new job, new skills, new opportunities and we know that's been working over the past 12 to 18 months and that's why we're doing more of it today.’
Other measures included in the new package will include prioritising those coming off furlough for one-to-one support from job centres, extra support in finding a job for the over-50s and workers coming off furlough.
Government guidance on incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice outlines the steps employers need to make to take advantage of the scheme. employers will be able to apply for the scheme if they have hired apprentices who joined their organisation from 1 April 2021 to the new extended date of 31 January 2022.