Responding to the new Work Experience National Mission, Neil Davy, Chief Executive, Family Business UK, said:
“Family businesses support the Prime Minister’s call for employers to provide an additional 200,000 work experience placements.
“Family firms have always invested in the next generation. Across the UK, family-owned businesses provide work placements, apprenticeships, entry-level jobs, training and long-term career opportunities for young people, rooted in the communities they serve.
“This is what family businesses have done for generations, and what they want to continue doing. They stand ready to play their part in creating opportunities and equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed. A strong partnership between education and business is essential to delivering the skills that good growth depends upon.
“Government has a vital role to play alongside employers and education. Family businesses need the confidence to invest for the long term, with a clear signal that those creating opportunities for young people will be backed by a Government committed to reducing the regulatory burdens associated with offering placements, apprenticeships and training.
“If Government can provide that confidence, family firms will help deliver the jobs, skills and opportunities that the next generation needs, while driving sustainable growth in every part of the UK.”