Creative Head UK September 2020

OPPORTUNITY
KNOCKS
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME
TO INVEST IN NEW APPRENTICESHIPS.
THE NHBF TEAM EXPLAINS WHY
TAKING ON A NEW STARTER WOULD
BE WORTH YOUR WHILE…
AS OUR INDUSTRY regains
its footing, now is a good
time to make plans for the
future – including taking
on a new apprentice, says
NHBF director of quality
and standards, Caroline
Larissey. “We work in a
wonderfully upbeat industry,
and one that makes a
huge contribution to the
economy,” she says. “Taking
on an apprentice has always
been a great way to inject
fresh young talent into your
business – and if you’re
based in England you can
take advantage of a new
financial incentive until
January 2021.”
EXTRA CASH FOR
EMPLOYERS IN ENGLAND
“Apprenticeships will be
more important than ever,”
explains Caroline. “That’s
why the government is
offering extra cash to
employers who take on an
apprentice as part of its plans
to reboot the economy.”
Salons in England can
benefit from an incentive
payment of up to £2,000 for
each new apprentice until
31 January 2021. Claims
can be made through the
apprenticeship service from
1 September 2020.
“For apprentices aged
16 to 24 the payment is
£2,000, and for apprentices
aged 25 or over it will be
£1,500,” says Caroline. “This
money is in addition to the
existing £1,000 payment the
government already provides
for new 16 to 18-year-old
apprentices, and those aged
under 25 with an education,
health and care plan.”
DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT
Since April 2020, the
apprenticeship pay rate
has been £4.15 an hour.
“National Minimum Wage
(NMW) rates change every
year, so always make sure
you are paying the correct
amount,” advises Caroline.
“Also, remember that an
apprentice over the age of 19
who is in the second year of
their apprenticeship must
be paid the age-appropriate
NMW or National Living
Wage.” Find out more at
nhbf.co.uk/new-nmw
GET THE BASICS RIGHT
There are a number of other
requirements that must be
met, explains Caroline. “For
example, your apprentice
must have a proper job role,
working with experienced
staff to enable them to gain
job-specific skills.”
Apprentices should work
a minimum of 30 hours
per week (21 in Northern
Ireland) and they should
also study with a college
or training provider.
For more information go to
nhbf.co.uk/apprentices
SUPPORT FROM
THE NHBF
NHBF members benefit
from free apprenticeship
agreements (deeds in
Scotland), free access to
the friendly membership
team for everyday
apprenticeship advice,
and free access to a 24/7
legal helpline for any
trickier issues that come
up with your apprentice.
Find out more about
NHBF member benefits
at nhbf.co.uk/benefits
JOIN THE NHBF
BEFORE THE END
OF SEPTEMBER 2020
AND QUOTE CHS25 TO
GET £25 OFF YOUR
MEMBERSHIP FEE
For more information on how the NHBF can help you make the most of your business
with its wide range of support services and resources, visit nhbf.co.uk
CREATIVE HEAD
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