New research by IPPR reveals that the postcode lottery of small business support is undermining the government’s ability to address England’s national skills shortages. Under the current model,‘coldspots’ with little or no available support are preventing employers from recruiting and retaining apprentices. Half of apprentices are now dropping out of their apprenticeships and without action the government will fail to meet its target to increase retention to 65 per cent by 2025. Addressing the shortcomings of the uneven geography of business support could create more opportunities for England’s workforce, address poor productivity, promote social mobility and help lift people out of poverty. Click here for more.
