TIGA, the network for games developers and digital publishers and the trade association representing the video games industry, said today that the Government should avoid introducing an apprenticeships levy. However, if it did introduce a training levy it should be restricted to large firms and there should be no requirement for the levy only to fund apprenticeships. Instead, contributing employers should be free to spend the money on the form of training that best meets the needs of their businesses. Often this will be in the form of on-the-job training or short, bite sized courses. TIGA made the comments in response to a Government consultation exercise entitled Apprenticeships Levy.
TIGA made three principal comments:
- The Government should avoid introducing an apprenticeships levy. The effectiveness of training levies and the need for them is questionable.
- If a levy is introduced it should only apply to large firms i.e. businesses employing 250 or more staff. This is because large firms are more likely to have the resources to pay a levy and they are typically better placed than small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) actually to access funds raised via the levy.
- If a levy is imposed on businesses, there should be no requirement for the levy only to fund apprenticeships. Instead, contributing employers should be free to spend the money on the form of training that best meets the needs of their businesses. Often this will be in the form of on-the-job training or short, bite sized courses.
Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said:
“Game developers and digital publishers invest in training and some work with education providers to ensure that courses are of good quality in order to improve the supply of high quality development staff available to work in the industry.
“TheGovernment should avoid introducing an apprenticeships levy. The effectiveness of training levies and the need for them is questionable.However, if a levy is introduced then it should only apply to large firms. This is because large firms are more likely to have the resources to pay a levy and they are typically better placed than small and medium-sized enterprises actually to access funds raised via the levy.
“Additionally, if a levy is imposed on businesses, there should be no requirement for the levy only to fund apprenticeships. The UK has a plethora of different industries with different skills and different qualifications requirements. A one size fits all training and qualifications policy is not in the interests of workers, businesses or the UK economy. Employers that are required to pay the levy should be free to spend the money on the form of training that best meets the needs of their businesses.”
About TIGA
TIGA isthe network for games developers and digital publishers and the trade association representing the video games industry. Since 2010, TIGA has won 24 business awards and commendations and has been successfully accredited as an Investors in People organisation three times. TIGA focuses on three sets of activities:
- Political representation
- Media representation
- Business services
This enhances the competitiveness of our members by providing benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities. It also means our members’ voices are heard in the corridors of power and positively represented in national, broadcast and UK video games trade media.
Get in touch:
Tel: 0845 468 2330
Email: info@tiga.org
Web: www.tiga.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tigamovement
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TIGAMovement
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/tiga
For further information, you can also contact: Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org