Parliamentary inquiry launched into apprenticeship and skills development

Hospitality operators are being urged by MPs to contribute to an inquiry into apprenticeships and skills development in the sector.

The decision by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Visitor Economy (APPG) to launch the inquiry coincides with the publication of a critical Ofsted report, which describes the fact that only 5% of 16 year olds are going into an apprenticeship as being "little short of a disaster".

In addition to input from operators, the group will also seek the views of local and trade associations; representatives of UK, devolved and local governments; local enterprise partnerships and educational establishments.

Nigel Huddleston MP, co-chair of the APPG, said: "Job creation is crucial to improving the UK's economy and the potential within the hospitality and tourism industry is enormous. The call for written evidence is an exciting opportunity for businesses to have their say on how the government can improve skill development and attract more apprenticeships to industry."

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, which serves as the secretariat to the APPG, welcomed the inquiry.

The APPG was established earlier this year to enhance local economies through promoting such initiatives as a reduction of VAT on tourism, which it believes will increase visitor numbers and investment in all parts of the UK.

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