Enterprise Bill [HL]

I have to say I agree that having a good vision and a good framework for this important area of policy is essential. Obviously we came back in May—to the surprise of some of us—and we are trying to move forward with a new approach to apprenticeships, which does include a levy because we think that that is a good way of getting funding into this absolutely vital area. Of course I, like everybody who used to be a huge employer in their former lives, recognise the importance of certainty for employers. However, I do not think that we should apologise for trying to improve the framework. We should do that. We should then give the new arrangements a clear run. However, we are at that point in the process where policy is being formed. We are bringing in a levy, which is still the subject of consultation. We are rightly in the Bill trying to move forward on a couple of small and important issues, including this business of the definition of apprenticeships, where I feel that having sanctions, as there are for degrees, will actually help to improve the recognition of this vital employment category.