Partner Article

Linder Myers Solicitors launches free apprenticeships legal advice

Linder Myers Solicitors and apprenticeship specialist Damar Training have launched a free service to support local businesses with the legal aspects of hiring apprentices.

The government pledged in April that it would double the number of apprenticeships with more and more businesses embracing the associated benefits.

Many employers however, will be unaware that failing to have the correct documentation in place could mean that their apprentices are ‘traditional’ apprentices rather than ‘modern’ apprentices, meaning that the employer has a very limited ability to terminate their contract and could be paying out significantly increased compensation if the contract is terminated early.

Alan Lewis, head of employment at Linder Myers Solicitors in Manchester said: “Hiring apprentices can deliver great benefits for a business including reducing training and recruitment costs while improving customer service levels. Having Apprenticeship Agreements in place – which comply with the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act (ASCLA 2009) - can protect employers in the long run. Having the correct legally compliant documentation in place helps to both maximize the benefits while also minimizing the cost if things don’t work out.

“We’re very excited to join forces with Damar Training to help local businesses thrive within a continued fragile economy. Our advice will help local employers to take advantage of the benefits of employing apprentices while maintaining the peace of mind of legal compliance and safeguarding their business against any potential issues during the course of an apprenticeship.”

Damar Training and Linder Myers are offering all employers looking to take on apprentices free access to a template apprenticeship agreement specifically designed for apprentices alongside access to supporting guidance on wider issues for consideration.

Employers with more complex requirements will be able to access Linder Myers’ fixed price employment law service.

Damar’s managing director, Jonathan Bourne, commented: “Employing apprentices can be hugely beneficial to organisations - they bring energy, fresh ideas and enable businesses to increase motivation and productivity. Although nearly all of the employers I speak to are keen to employ apprentices, there is often uncertainty about the process, best practice and how to minimise any risks.

“This is why I am so excited about our partnership with Linder Myers. It gives employers access to high quality professional support at the outset, ensuring that their apprentices’ employment contracts are correct getting their apprenticeship programme off to the best possible start.

“Our aim is to deliver an end-to-end service for employers that really maximises the benefits to their businesses - apprentice recruitment, programme planning and training delivery - and this partnership further enhances the service that we can provide.”

For more information about hiring apprentices, contact Rachel Daley at Damar on 0161 480 8171 or via rachel.daley@damartraining.com or Alan Lewis at Linder Myers Solicitors on 0844 984 6075 or alan.lewis@lindermyers.co.uk

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This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Linder Myers .