Clause 22

Part of Education and Skills Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 6:45 pm on 19 February 2008.

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Photo of John Hayes John Hayes Shadow Minister (14-19 Reform and Apprenticeships) 6:45, 19 February 2008

Let me give a word of support for the hon. Gentleman’s amendment. It is important that we explore how high the bar is to be set for local authorities to interpret an employer’s culpability in these terms. The hon. Gentleman was right to table the amendment because it allows us to probe the matter.

It will be quite possible for an employer to take on a young person who has deceived them into thinking that he or she is involved in training. It is important that we probe the Minister further because this is a matter of concern for employers. We spoke a few moments ago about the other concerns that employers have, and similarly it is particularly important that we reassure small and medium-sized enterprises in this regard.