Labour’s flagship foundation apprenticeship scheme has enrolled just 160 young people in its first eight months, prompting warnings that its wider plan to tackle youth unemployment could fail. The figure is far below the government’s target of 30,000 starts by the end of the parliament, amid concern over the nearly one million 16- to 24-year-olds not in employment, education or training.

About 308,000 apprenticeships of all types began in England during the academic year so far, up 9% year on year, but more than half involved people over 25. The Fabian Society said apprenticeship starts among under-25s remain around 40% below their level a decade ago and recommended a £311m annual regional fund, alongside reforms that could support 26,000 additional starts each year.