In a Telegraph interview, David Cameron today pledges to cut the welfare cap – to £23,000 from £26,000 – to fund another three million apprentice places. He says that this:-
‘Tells you everything you need to know about our values’
He is refreshingly honest, in that this welfare/apprenticeships policy is designed to articulate Conservative Party values rather than actually help the country. He wants to send a message: the Tories stand for work, not welfare. So here is policy intended to take away from those on welfare, and give to those in work.
It’s encouraging that the Tories seem to be edging away from George Osborne’s spurious claims about the deficit and towards their most solid, spectacular achievement: the jobs miracle (below). But here’s the thing. With British employment rates and ratios at or around record high, there is no burning need for more apprenticeships.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in