“Today’s measures to increase on-the-job training and apprenticeships is welcomed and important in supporting the government's plans to kick start the economy as we come out of lockdown. We must act now to support individuals back into employment and also helping businesses recover. Reskilling and upskilling talent will go some way to ensuring we are able to recover in an effective and sustainable way from the economic and social impact of the virus."

“There will be a continued need to maintain flexibility and a broad range of options to support access to learning and reskilling – enabling progression and helping individuals to fulfil their potential helps to address inequality, supports our economic recovery and enables UK PLC return to growth.”