SOUTH Dorset MP Richard Drax has added his voice to calls for a rethink on a levy to increase funding for apprenticeships.

Mr Drax was among Tory backbenchers who raised the issue, amid concerns the move would hit schools and colleges unfairly.

Ministers brought forward plans for an apprenticeships levy earlier this year, which would call on employers with a wage bill of more than £3 million to pay 0.5 per cent towards funding placements.

Conservative Heidi Allen (South Cambridgeshire) voiced concerns over the decision to apply the levy to schools and colleges, which was previously branded an "extra, unfunded cost" on stretched school budgets by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL)
Speaking during an urgent statement on school funding, Ms Allen said: "Can I ask you again to look at that apprenticeship levy?

"It doesn't really work for schools."

Education Secretary Justine Greening, acknowledging her concerns, added: "I think it's about trying to strike a balance between making sure that our apprenticeships strategy really does give opportunity to young people in every single sector but at the same time making sure we get funding to the front line of schools and that's what I have announced today."

Tory MP Richard Drax (South Dorset) also spoke out against the levy, adding: "I too, I'm afraid, do not agree with the apprenticeships levy.

"Would you consider looking at that again?"

Ms Greening said: "In relation to the apprenticeships levy, we are working with schools on a teaching apprenticeship which will not only mean that we can have more opportunity but will also enable those schools to be able to use that investment wisely."