2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:48 pm on 3 November 2020.

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Photo of Suzy Davies Suzy Davies Conservative 2:48, 3 November 2020

I think we'd all be grateful to hear the update that you just promised to Mark Isherwood, Trefnydd.

I wonder if I could request a statement from the Minister for the economy, preferably an oral statement but a written one would be okay, I think, to update us on how well the £40 million package promised to the over-16s needing assistance to find work, training or education, or to pursue self-employment, is going. We already have the highest proportion amongst the UK nations of young people not engaged in any of that, and, as we've all heard previously, youth unemployment is likely to rise further. So, as it's been three months since the announcement was made, I think it would be helpful, actually, if the Minister would update the Senedd on where we are with the retention and recruitment of 5,000 apprentices, whether graduates are getting work experience, and what kind of employer is coming forward to apply for the incentives that were expressed in the statement when it was made. And, in particular, if such a statement could be brought forward, it needs to be made clear whether the cash is being allocated on a first come, first served basis, as we've just been speaking in this session about the difficulties that have beset the third round of the ERF. We certainly don't want that happening to this £40 million package. Thank you.