Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what the value was of Government subsidies and financial incentives to retail companies to encourage the creation of apprenticeships in the retail sector since 2010.

Information on the value of apprenticeships funding allocation is not broken down by business type. Since May 2010, there have been 504,900 apprenticeship starts in the retail sector subject area.

In England, the Government provides funding for training where employers hire an apprentice and currently fully funds apprenticeship training for 16 -18 year olds and up to 50% of apprenticeship training for over 19s.