Portsmouth port industry won’t be boosted by Government Apprenticeship Scheme says Thomas Eggar

PRESS RELEASE 13.11.09 Portsmouth port industry won’t be boosted by Government Apprenticeship Scheme says Thomas Eggar Whilst the announcement by the Government of more apprenticeships makes great news headlines, it will not boost employment in the local port and marine industry says Esther Smith, Partner in the employment team at the Southampton office of Thomas Eggar LLP. The announcement by the Government that it will fund 35,000 new apprenticeships as part of the new Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill could mean conflict between immediate recession-based demands against improving the skills of a current workforce. Esther explained: “The concern is that this new Bill could mean that quotas are forced upon employers, requiring a certainly number of their workforce to be engaged as apprentices. “This sounds ideal, but the reality in the current financial climate is that employers could find themselves in the position of having to reduce their trained workforce whilst having to take on a certain number of untrained apprentices. Although the detail of the Bill is yet to be defined, it may be worth employers considering proactive steps, to ensure current apprentices are engaged under qualifying contracts, in order to satisfy any quota requirements, rather than having to react. Portsmouth-based BAE Systems operates one of the largest apprenticeship schemes in the country, with 300 young people set to join the company this autumn alone. Portsmouth is one of Britain's best-connected ferry ports, linking passengers with nine different destinations. There are three terminals in the extensive harbour and the continental Ferry Port is the UK's second busiest. In 2008/2009 126,900 apprentices, nationally, completed their courses. Ends Word Count: 241 Notes to editors Thomas Eggar LLP is a leading law firm in the south of England providing legal services to both commercial organisations and private individuals. Thomas Eggar LLP has specialist, industry-specific legal expertise that is relied upon by national and international clients. The firm has a strong reputation acting for both corporates and wealthy private individuals and has been in existence for over 250 years. The firm has been recognised as an Age Positive employer. Age Positive is a Government initiated campaign that promotes the benefits of employing a mixed-age workforce including younger, as well as older, people. It also encourages employers to make decisions about training and recruitment, which does not discriminate against age. Thomas Eggar LLP has offices situated in Chichester, Gatwick, London, Newbury, Southampton and Worthing. Thomas Eggar LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales under registered number OC326278 whose registered office is at The Corn Exchange, Baffin's Lane, Chichester, West. Sussex, PO19 1GE. The word “partner” refers to a member of the LLP, or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications. A list of the members of the LLP is displayed at the above address, together with a list of those non-members who are designated as partners. Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Lexcel and Investors in People accredited. For more information on Thomas Eggar, please contact: Debbie Osborne on 0845 345 6969 or debbie@lcm.co.uk