Recommendation 10

We understand the importance of education and skills in growing Northern Ireland’s economy and providing jobs for people in all parts of society. Therefore, we recommend that current and future Government investment, through the UKSPF and City and Growth Deals for example, at least match existing EU funding in this area and take account of the Executive’s skills strategy and NI’s growth sectors to address the skills gap. We also note the dissatisfaction towards the apprenticeship levy in Northern Ireland, where businesses do not see an identifiable return on their contributions. The Government must work with the Executive to ensure that the money which businesses contribute to the apprenticeship levy is ringfenced, so it is used for its intended purpose. (Paragraph 60) Creating a sustainable and equal economy