Almost three quarters of UK business say they should be able to decide whether adult apprentices should be required to undertake English and Maths qualifications, according to a recent poll by the Institute of Directors (IoD).

The December 2024 survey of IoD members also found that a third of respondents thought that this flexibility would make their organisation more likely to offer an apprenticeship.

Alex Hall-Chen, Principal Policy Advisor for Skills at the IoD, said: ‘Apprenticeships are a vital tool in tackling the UK’s persistent skills shortages, yet apprenticeship starts have almost halved since 2015. Removing any unnecessary barriers to apprenticeship uptake should be a priority for the government.

‘This research shows that giving employers flexibility when it comes to English and Maths qualifications for adult apprentices has the potential to be an impactful first step in reversing this decline.

‘While it is crucial that literacy and numeracy skills are embedded in all apprenticeships, employers are well-placed to judge whether English and Maths qualifications are the most appropriate route to evidence or develop the literacy and numeracy skills needed for success in the given career path.’