The FSB has welcomed the reform in the admin process required to secure an apprentice after the Government has cut red tape by a third and plans to create a digital skills platform.

Craig Beaumont, chief of external affairs at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Small businesses often face bureaucratic hurdles when hiring apprentices."

"The Government's new digital platform should really help, simplifying the process and fostering talent across our economy for people to find apprenticeships, T Levels, and skills boot camps that our members say are valuable."

"It was great to hold a roundtable with the DfE and our members last year, focussing on the admin challenges they face when hiring an apprentice. It's good to see our feedback is being taken on board."

"FSB's approach to reducing red tape focuses dramatically on reducing the input requirements that small businesses face when it comes to filling out Government paperwork. That's why we are especially pleased to see the admin required to secure an apprentice cut by a third, alongside streamlining the process for non-levy payers to claim funds."