Superdrug is the latest in a growing line of companies calling on the Government to review its apprenticeship levy rules.

The current system, which has been met with criticism, requires employers with an annual wage bill of over £3m to pass on 0.5% of their payroll costs to a training fund.

Earlier this year, it was reported over £600m was returned to the Treasury in 2022, because companies had failed to meet rules to qualify for the funding, as reported by Retail Gazette.

Now the boss of the health and beauty retailer, which has stores in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud and Cirencester, said a reform is needed so that "valuable funds are no longer wasted".

The CEO said upskilling young colleagues and giving them the chance to earn while they start out on a retail career both improves their own prospects and helps the business to grow and diversify its workforce.

Superdrug is now working with the British Retail Consortium on a campaign calling for the Government to make changes to the levy.

The retailer plans to take on 500 apprentices this year.