OTLEY’S MP Alex Sobel is calling on the Government to adopt Labour’s plan to create 12,970 new apprenticeships for young people in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Labour says under the Conservatives these training opportunities have been disappearing especially for young people. It says The Government has overseen a marked decline in apprenticeship starts in Leeds North West since 2011.

Labour has called on the government to introduce a wage subsidy which could have created 12,970 new apprenticeships in Yorkshire and the Humber this year. This subsidy would be funded from underspent funding in the apprenticeships levy – a charge large employers have to pay to government.

Backed by the Association of Employers and Learning Providers (AELP), Labour says its plan could have created 100,000 new apprenticeships for 16-24-year olds across England this year.

Mr Sobel said:“I’m pleased to back National Apprenticeship Week, recognising the enormous contribution made by apprentices to our economy and wider society.

“However, the Government is failing to create the opportunities young people and our local economy in Leeds North West need to prosper.

“I am calling on the Government to adopt Labour’s wage subsidy policy to boost opportunities for young people to secure our economy post pandemic.”