Following the publication of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, all eyes were on the Chancellor’s Budget. This month’s update provides our initial response to the latest announcements.
Spring Budget delivers muted support for skills
The Chancellor delivered the Budget on Wednesday 3 March, continuing his pledge to support jobs and encourage employer training as the UK begins its path to recovery. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was extended to September 2021, something the CBI called for in the lead up to the Budget.
Further training support measures were announced, including a new ‘Help to Grow’ scheme for SMEs to develop leadership and management skills. The apprenticeship hiring incentives was also increased and extended to September, while an additional £126 million will be provided for traineeships for 16- to 24-year-olds. The CBI