71% of business leaders think that employers should have the flexibility to decide whether adult apprentices should be required to undertake English and Maths qualifications, according to a recent poll by the Institute of Directors.

The December 2024 survey of 496 IoD members also found that a third (34%) of respondents thought that this flexibility would make their organisation more likely to offer an apprenticeship.

Alex Hall-Chen, Principal Policy Advisor for Skills at the Institute of Directors, said: “Apprenticeships are a vital tool in tackling the UK’s persistent skills shortages, yet apprenticeship starts have almost halved since 2015. Removing any unnecessary barriers to apprenticeship uptake should be a priority for the government."

“This research shows that giving employers flexibility when it comes to English and Maths qualifications for adult apprentices has the potential to be an impactful first step in reversing this decline."

“While it is crucial that literacy and numeracy skills are embedded in all apprenticeships, employers are well-placed to judge whether English and Maths qualifications are the most appropriate route to evidence or develop the literacy and numeracy skills needed for success in the given career path.”

Full Results

497 responses from across the UK, conducted between 13-30 December 2024. 13% ran large businesses (250+ people), 18% medium (50-249), 21% small (10-49 people), 36% micro (2-9 people) and 11% sole trader and self-employed business entities (0-1 people).

Do you think employers should be able to decide whether apprentices over the age of 18 should be required to undertake an English and Maths qualification as part of their apprenticeship?

Yes	71%
No	14%
Don't Know	15%

Would this flexibility make your organisation more or less likely to use apprenticeships?

More Likely	34%
No Change	55%
Less Likely	14%