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business5h ago
Somerset businesses 'dismayed' at skills training funding cut
- Somerset seeks to block a funding cut to Skills Bootcamps, arguing it would hurt local retraining and growth.
- The government is cutting the Somerset scheme from £4.7m to £1.5m next year, prompting a local campaign.
- David Crew, Somerset Chamber of Commerce MD, says the cut risks local employers' ability to train staff.
- Somerset Council warns funding changes could leave residents with fewer retraining opportunities.
- DWP says it is increasing investment in Skills Bootcamps for 2026-27 and introducing a local allocation model.
- Final funding details are due to be published in May as the program matures.
- Campaigners argue the policy shift could impact major Somerset projects linked to nuclear and renewables.
- A DWP spokesperson says the program is moving to a demand-led budget model to sustain funding.
- The report links skills funding to local employers' needs and regional economic resilience.
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