August 26, 2014
However, the Government has announced that it plans to reject this recommendation and will instead increase the rate by 21% to £3.30 an hour (as of October 2015). It has now published a report setting out why it is making such a large increase.
According to the report, the increase is part of wider reforms being made to apprenticeships (including giving employers more control over their design and introducing tough testing at the end to ensure apprentices’ competence).
The aim of this is to increase both the availability and take-up of apprenticeships (which, it is hoped, will become as attractive an option to young people as university or jobs without training). According to the Government, apprenticeships are beneficial to the economy and will also provide substantial productivity benefits to employers.
The apprentice rate applies to apprentices who are under 19, or those who are over 19 but in the first year of their apprenticeship. Otherwise, either the Development rate (which is for 18-20 year olds; currently £5.13 per hour) or the National Minimum Wage (which applies to 21-and-overs and is currently £6.50) will apply.
I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”
Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”
We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”
An extremely professional and sincere company who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the company to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”
PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”
We have used several departments within DG recently and we have been very pleased with an effective, efficient and down to earth service. Very happy thus far and I expect that we will continue to use DG.”
Darwin Gray offer us truly superb services. Very professional, quick and services available bilingually which is very important to us, highly recommend.”
My “go to” in urgent and time sensitive cases for direction, support and advice. The team are quick to respond to calls or emails for advice and support on all matters. Always explain complex matters in a way a lay person can easily understand.”
