Welfare Reform on the Web (May 2004): Education - UK - Training

SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE: TOWARDS A NEW DEAL FOR SKILLS

Treasury

London: 2004

The report proposes that:

• trainees with non-employment status should be treated the same as those in full time education. They would be eligible for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and support through the Child Tax Credit Scheme;
• a national minimum wage for 16-17 year olds be introduced at £3.00 per hour;
• the Learning and Skills Council should work to achieve minimum pay levels of £70-80 per week for employed status apprentices;
• financial support should be made more flexible so that young people can stay in learning and finish a course to gain a qualification up to the age of 21.