To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

(1) what sanctions exist for companies that do not fulfil their obligations in respect of young people enrolled on recognised apprenticeship schemes;

(2) what steps he has taken to ensure that employers who enrol young people on a recognised apprenticeship scheme fulfil their obligations with regard to those young people; and what sanctions they are liable to if they fail to do so.

holding answer 25 November 2011

Following the Apprenticeships, Children, Schools and Learning Act (2009), all apprentices must be employed throughout their apprenticeship programme. Their employers have exactly the same obligations and sanctions as other employers, including responsibility for safeguarding young people.

Employers can include details about the apprenticeship and any entitlements, for example study time, within the contract of employment.