Day: May 27, 2025

Next generation of builders and carers ‘set to rebuild Britain’

Westminster government announces radical skills reforms giving young people opportunity to develop skills in priority areas for the country

Young people are set to benefit from 120,000 new training opportunities as part of a ‘radical skills revolution’, giving them the chance to develop skills where they are most needed across the workforce to rebuild Britain.

More skilled brickies, carpenters and healthcare support workers will soon be trained up as the UK Government continues it’s drive to get Britain working, with landmark reforms announced today that refocus the skills landscape towards young, domestic talent. 

The measures, backed by a record-breaking £3 billion apprenticeship budget, will open up opportunities for young people to succeed in careers the country vitally needs to prosper.

More routes into skilled work means more people building affordable homes, more care for NHS patients and more digital experts to push our economy forward. This includes an additional 30,000 apprenticeship starts across this Parliament. 

This unprecedented investment is a critical step in delivering the government’s Plan for Change mission to create a decade of national renewal. They say they are backing our young people and investing in skills as an engine of economic growth – putting more money in people’s back pockets and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

 Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive. 

“When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our Plan for Change.

“But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we’re taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it’s now the responsibility of young people to take them.”

To support this, the Westminster government is: 

  • Implementing a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, which will deliver up to 45,000 additional training places to upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration in priority sectors. As announced in the recent Immigration White Paper.  
  • Refocusing funding away from Level 7 (masters-level) apprenticeships from January 2026, while maintaining support for those aged 16-21 and existing apprentices. This will enable levy funding to be rebalanced towards training at lower levels, where it can have the greatest impact.  
  • Launched 13 new Level 2 construction courses for adults in non-devolved areas under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme. 

In addition to the £3bn apprenticeship budget, the government is backing the new generation of workers through:  

  • £14 million of adult skills funding for construction to be devolved to local mayors for next academic year, expected to support up to 5,000 additional adult learners. 
  •  £136 million for Skills Bootcamps across a range of priority sectors in 2025-26, providing training to over 40,000 learners.  
  • £100 million over four years to expand Construction Skills Bootcamps. 
  • Ten Technical Excellence Colleges specialising in construction skills, opening in September 2025. 

 As part of the UK government’s Plan for Change, the reforms are a vital step in delivering our youth guarantee and addressing skills shortages to drive growth while creating better opportunities for young people and adults across England.  

Today’s announcement comes following a dramatic fall in the number of apprenticeship starts over the last decade, and as recent ONS statistics show as many as one in eight 16-24 year olds are not in employment, education or training.

Liverpool parade incident: Merseyside Police Statement

DOZENS INJURED AS CAR PLOUGHS INTO CELEBRATING CROWD

Statement from Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims and partners from last night’s press conference following the incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre:

ACC Sims: “Firstly, my thoughts are with all those injured in tonight’s horrific incident, their families and friends, and all those affected by the terrible tragedy that has taken place today.

“I want to thank all the emergency services, partner agencies and members of the public who came to the assistance of the injured following this evening’s shocking events.

“This had been a joyous day in Liverpool with hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s victory parade.

“Sadly, at just after 6 o’clock this evening, as the parade was drawing to a close, we received reports that a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.

“A number of people have been injured and were taken to hospital.

“In addition a large number of people of all ages were treated at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.

“Specialist officers have been put in place to support the injured and their families.

“Our emergency services colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service and Mersey Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene and will be able to provide further updates.

“The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested.  We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media.

“I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight.

“What I can tell you is that we believe this to be an isolated incident and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it.

“The incident is not currently being treated as terrorism.

“We would ask that people refrain from sharing distressing footage from the incident online and please share any information directly with our investigation team. Information, including video footage, can be passed on via the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) – 

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/05MP24M59-PO2

“In the lead up to this event we have been working closely with event organisers and a robust traffic management plan was put in place for the parade which included a number of road closures throughout the route and the city centre.

“We will provide any further updates as soon as we have them.”

Dave Kitchin, from North West Ambulance Service, said: “All of us at North West Ambulance Service are horrified and saddened that a day of celebration for the people of Liverpool could end in such terrible circumstances.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who witnessed the incident and those who have been injured. 

“As large crowds were expected in the city centre to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s victory, we thankfully had a substantial presence already close to the route, as we would do for any event of this type.

“Our ambulances, hazardous area response team, MERIT doctors, North West Air Ambulance and senior clinicians were very quickly on scene to offer aid and treatment.

“St John Ambulance also had clinical teams present to support us, and were quick to respond, our thanks go to them for their assistance.  

“Our emergency ambulances took patients to our NHS colleagues at Royal Liverpool, Alder Hey, Arrowe Park and Aintree Hospitals. Sadly, four of the injured were children who were enjoying the day with their friends and families.

“We can confirm that our teams treated 20 patients at the scene for minor injuries – these did not need hospital treatment.

“27 patients in total were taken to hospital by ambulance and we believe two of those, including one of the children, have sustained injuries deemed to be serious. 

“Our cyclist paramedic was also unfortunately struck by the vehicle, but we are pleased to report that no injuries were sustained. 

“We also know some patients have self-presented at local hospitals.

“We are working closely with our partners at Merseyside Police and share their appeal for calm. This is indeed, an appalling incident, and we understand that people will be deeply upset. The people of Liverpool have shown many times before that you are a strong community, you support one another.

“All of us at North West Ambulance Service share with you the frustration that this wonderful day has ended like this. We hope those who have been injured make a speedy recovery, and would like to extend our thanks to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police, both of whom assisted us in tending to the injured, as did many of the supporters in the crowd. As well as our NHS colleagues who continue to treat the casualties.

“To the people of Liverpool, we are sorry this has happened to you today – we are all thinking of you.”

 Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle, from Mersey Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this incident this evening.

“Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were informed at 1807, we immediately mobilised 3 fire engines to Water Street and were in attendance in 4 minutes.

“On arrival the crews were met with numerous injured people and 4 persons trapped under a vehicle.

“Our crews rapidly lifted the vehicle, removed people from beneath and passed them to our Ambulance colleagues. We then worked with emergency service partners to ensure casualties received medical treatment and transport to hospital as quickly as possible. My Fire crews will maintain a visible and reassuring presence in the coming days and weeks.”

Liverpool City Council leader, Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “I’d like to start by saying on behalf of everyone in Liverpool how much our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this appalling incident in the city centre.

“It has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day and the finale to a fabulous bank holiday weekend.

“We are working closely with Merseyside Police to support their investigation, and with other relevant organisations to make sure those affected get the appropriate support.

“I would urge people not to speculate as to the motives behind this appalling incident and to allow Merseyside Police to conduct their investigation.

“We won’t be commenting any further but will provide relevant updates as and when we know more and it is appropriate to.

“Once again, our hearts go out to all those affected.

“Liverpool is a city that has a proud history of coming together and supporting each other during challenging times

“I’ve no doubt that will again be the case over the coming days and weeks.”

Liverpool Football Club said last night: “We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.”