15 Apr 2019Experts have called for the government to 'simplify' the Apprenticeship Levy amidst claims that it has 'complicated learning and development'. A survey of UK firms conducted by the Managing Partners' Forum suggested that the number of apprentices 'would be boosted' if the Apprenticeship Levy rules were simplified. 32% of businesses polled stated that the Apprenticeship Levy has 'displaced budget away from the most needed learning and development', whilst an additional 24% said that the Levy has 'increased the cost of training'. 'It is perhaps unsurprising that the Levy is viewed by many as an extra tax that complicates learning and development,' said Richard Chaplin, Chief Executive of the Managing Partners' Forum. 'There is clearly support for the concept of apprenticeships, not least because of their important potential role in helping to address persistent issues around diversity and social mobility within the professions. However, simplification of the rules around apprenticeships – and particularly the Levy – must be considered for the real potential impact to be realised.'