Upcoming event to offer free guidance on apprenticeship levy
The event, jointly organised by employment consultancy People 1st, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), will tell businesses how they can "maximise their levy investment", according to People 1st's director of strategic policy, Annette Allmark.
"With the levy fast approaching, it is critical that businesses are aware of how it will affect them and how they can maximise their levy investment. In addition, with employer-led apprenticeship standards now available, including one for hospitality team members that incorporates a new specialism in licensed retail, there’s never been a better time to make apprenticeships part of your talent strategy.
"The event will help you understand the steps you need to take to plan for the levy and how you can use the new standards to develop skilled and committed staff," she told The Morning Advertiser.
Time to prepare for April
The apprenticeship levy becomes law in April and will mean that all employers with an annual wage bill in excess of £3m will have to start paying into a fund for apprentices. As well as this, businesses with annual wages lower then £3m will be able to take advantage of Government supplements for training of apprentices.
One of the central aspects of the event, which takes place at the Forge bar in central London on 2 February, will be a discussion on how employers can maximise the money that is going to be put into the levy.
On top of this, plans to cover wider issues around employing staff in the pub industry in the current climate. This includes the new apprenticeships that will take effect in 2017, the upcoming increase in national living wage and potential migration restrictions after Brexit.
Employers can sign up for the one-day event online.
