Training: Evidence shows steep drop in Entry to Employment figures

The document, due to be published at the end of this week, contains evidence from e2e providers from across England, who have seen recruitment fall by up to 50 per cent since the introduction of the education maintenance allowance (EMA) to work-based learning in April.

Providers are reporting an increase in absenteeism and a lack of motivation among learners as well as an increase in leavers at early stages of programmes.

Staff redundancy notices are also being prepared in some areas as the drop in entrants makes e2e programmes more and more unviable.

Unlike the previous minimum training allowance of 40 a week, EMAs are means tested, entitling only some young people to the maximum amount of 30 a week. Learning providers say the need for the learner to disclose details about household income is discouraging some young people from applying at all, and problems are compounded by delays in processing payments.