Summary of EEF response:
If compulstion is to be introduced, it should be linked to achievement and age rather than just age.
While we support measures to help young people achieve their potential, we doubt whether coercion will have the desired effect.
The cost of implementing such a proposal could divert funds from areas which would have more impact on productivity in manufacturing - such as upskilling and reskilling the adult workforce.
There will need to be extensive guidance and support for employers so that they are aware of their responsibilities within a compulsory system.
It is essential that work-based learning does not become a "dumping ground" for the disaffected and disengaged.
Work-based training provision will need to be significantly expanded, without compromise of quality, under the proposals.
The concerns employers have relating to raising the learning leaving age can be summarised as follows:
- Will they have to employ and train individuals who are not motivated to work or learn?
- Will they have to change the training they provide for existing employees who are not currently on accredited training courses?
- What responsibilities/legal obligations will they as employers have in terms of complying with the regulations?
- Will they face issues relating to age discrimination if they favour an applicant aged 18 or over where the job cannot be cut from five days to four days a week?
- Will they be forced to give unpaid time off to young people to allow these individuals to study qualifications chosen by the individual, or will the employer be able to influence the subject and content of these qualifications?
EEF will be advising its members on all these issues, should the consultation proposals be accepted.
Added 14 June 2007