John Redgrave, owner of JRM Motors, says it was a genuine mistake that he fell foul of the new changes that had come into force.
Redgrave took on an apprentice from Hartlepool College of Further Education as he had done for the past 30 years without issue.
However, during the course of the scheme his apprentice turned 21, making him eligible for a higher wage.
The issue came to light six months later, when Mr Redgrave set about making the changes to his pay to correct the problem.
Mr Redgrave said: “This wasn’t a deliberate act. I have taken on apprentices for 30 years and never had any problems.
“I’ve got one lad working for me now who started as an apprentice.
“This was a genuine mistake, as soon as I was made aware of it, I put it right. But by then I had been caught.
“It’s left me aggrieved as there was no support from anyone. I won’t be taking on anymore apprentices now.”
Commenting on the news, Jim Gillespie wrote on a local media website: “I’ve known John for many years and know he is a decent, hard working small business owner.
“As a small business owner myself, I know how hard it is to keep abreast of all the rules, regulations and revenue instructions.
“Errors of this nature are easily done when taking on apprentices.”
Does a fear of red tape put you off hiring apprentices? Are regulations preventing you from investing in young talent? Share your comments below this article.
Brian Cafferty
This type of oversight or lack of support is not exclusive to the motortrade its happening in many other SME businesses, why do the government or at least the sponsored apprenticeship training businesses take ownership of the situation (Apprenticeship Terms & Conditions) and ensure the apprentice and the employer know whats expected and neither of them fall foul of the changing legislation. There are not enough opportunities for young people to get these apprenticeships and anything which puts the employer off is not good
Brian Cafferty- Motorman Ltd- Sales Director
Brian Cafferty
This type of oversight or lack of support is not exclusive to the motortrade its happening in many other SME businesses, why do the government or at least the sponsored apprenticeship training businesses take ownership of the situation (Apprenticeship Terms & Conditions) and ensure the apprentice and the employer know whats expected and neither of them fall foul of the changing legislation. There are not enough opportunities for young people to get these apprenticeships and anything which puts the employer off is not good
Brian Cafferty- Motorman Ltd- Sales Director
Johnson
If it happened to me I would close the doors and the government can pay the wage bill
Johnson
If it happened to me I would close the doors and the government can pay the wage bill
phil
Goverment are not interested in business, they just don’t want anyone claiming any sort of top up payment. I agree, no more apprentices for my business either. Not worth the hassle in my view.
phil
Goverment are not interested in business, they just don’t want anyone claiming any sort of top up payment. I agree, no more apprentices for my business either. Not worth the hassle in my view.