National Apprenticeship Scheme
Speaking in a debate on apprenticeships, Priti Patel raises the concerns of small businesses who are fed up with the paperwork and bureaucracy associated with taking on apprentices.
Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): Small and medium-sized businesses are at the heart of my constituency, creating something like 80% of local jobs in Witham. The hon. Gentleman spoke about small businesses. Having been in government, what practical measures would he recommend to enable small businesses to take on more apprentices? The small businesses that I speak to in my constituency are struggling and are fed up with the paperwork and bureaucracy associated with taking on apprentices.
Ian Lucas: I ran a small business myself and was Minister with responsibility for regulatory reform, so I do not like paperwork or bureaucracy-no one does, and every Government talks about reducing the burden.
