Commenting on official apprenticeship levy figures that show a 61% fall in starts, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and former Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Vince Cable, said:

“As Secretary of State I presided over a huge increase in the quantity and quality of Apprenticeships. It was a system that gave millions a chance to develop new skills and find work. The Conservatives are trashing that legacy.

“It is damning that this government are giving new apprentices such a poor deal. Hundreds of thousands of people will lose out from the opportunity to enter high skilled work.

“We should be working towards a system that helps all people, no matter their background, get an opportunity to get ahead in life. These figures expose a major setback towards that goal.”