The Chancellor announced a new incentive payment of £3,000 for each apprentice of any age who is recruited between 1st October 2021 and 31st January 2022 (ie they have an employment start date between these dates). Applications open on 11 January 2022 and close on 15 May 2022.

The announcement follows the closure of the previous incentive scheme also of a payment of £3000 for each apprentice of any age who was recruited between 1st April and 31st September 2021. The apprenticeship training must start by 30th November 2021. This payment must be claimed by the employer by 30th November 2021.

In both cases, the incentive payments are on top of the £1000 employer payment for recruiting apprentices aged between 16-18, or those aged under 25 who have an Eduction, Health and Care Plan. Government guidance on incentives for hiring an apprentice

It is the employer's responsibility to claim the incentive payment.