Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Professional and Business Services Jobs Plan, published on 19 October 2026, what arrangements are in place to verify that the sector's commitment to recruit 22,400 new apprentices aged under 25 each year is met.

The Professional and Business Services Council will work with government to oversee implementation of the Jobs Plan. Its Skills and Talent Working Group will monitor delivery through a shared performance framework, tracking progress against government and industry commitments, including the commitment by PBS firms to recruit 22,400 Level 6 and below apprentices aged under 25 each year for five years. The Working Group will mobilise commitments through members, professional bodies and regional partners, and escalate barriers to delivery where necessary.