Reform UK proposes 30% apprentice wage rebate for SMEs, costing up to £2bn over five years

Reform UK proposed a 30% wage rebate for small and medium-sized businesses hiring apprentices aged 16 to 18, plus a £2,000 retention bonus for workers who stay two years after training. The party estimated the cost at £1.48bn to nearly £2bn over five years. Education spokeswoman Suella Braverman said businesses would save an average of £4,000 a year per apprentice.