Construction training could experience a 'devastating impact' if the Government goes ahead with plans to introduce an apprenticeship levy, it has been claimed.

Trade body Build UK made the warning in response to its consultation on the proposals.

The organisation stated the proposed Government's Apprenticeship Levy could raise around £30m per year from 212 large employers in construction.

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However, withdrawal of consensus for the CITB levy would mean that five times that amount would be lost from the industry to support training.

The Government wants to support 3 million apprenticeships by 2020, yet the plans could lead to employers facing two levy payments.

Build UK said: "Employers in construction recognise their responsibility to contribute to the cost of industry training and apprenticeships through the CITB Levy and Grants Scheme.

"However, the majority of large employers would not be prepared to pay two levies, and we anticipate that the introduction of the Government's Apprenticeship Levy as proposed would lead to firms withdrawing their consensus support for the existing system which would have a devastating impact on training in the sector."

(LM/CD)