Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London Luisa Porritt has called on the Government to make apprenticeships work for London, after a survey of business revealed low-take up in the capital.

The London Business 1000 survey, by London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and London Councils, found that just 8% of London businesses currently employ apprentices, down from 13% in the 2019 survey, while only 8% of small businesses plan to employ any apprenticeships in the next 12 months.

The survey also found low confidence amongst the business community after struggling with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Responding to the London Business 1000 survey, Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London Luisa Porritt said:

“Local businesses are the backbone of our economy and their recovery is our recovery. This survey shows just how fearful London’s businesses are about the future. It is vital the Government steps in to give them the confidence they need during this period of uncertainty.

“That means support for self-employed workers who have been excluded from financial support, an extension to the business rates relief scheme for the next year, and a much more generous and accessible package of loans and grants to get them through this difficult time.

“It is disappointing to see that apprenticeship take up in London is low, especially for small businesses which are the lifeblood of our economy. It is essential we make apprenticeships work for London, so we can drive up skills and create jobs to help bring about our recovery.

“The Liberal Democrats created two million apprenticeship jobs nationally when in government, a programme the Conservatives have since cut back. We know the value of this to employers and employees alike. That’s why it’s vital the Government fixes the broken Kickstart scheme, which was aimed at getting young people into work but has had very little take-up.

“With vaccines now being rolled out, this should be the time when the business community starts to plan for the recovery and a more prosperous future. We need big ideas and urgent action to ensure they not only survive today but thrive tomorrow.”