BGC pledges £20m for training to support Levelling Up scheme

The Levelling Up white paper aims to direct resources to areas of the UK that require support in key areas such as employment and education. It is set to be unveiled today (2 February).

Members of the BGC are also planning to create 5,000 apprenticeships between now and 2025 for young people who wish to work in the gaming sector. Most of these will be based outside London.

The pledge comes after a report from Ernst and Young stated that BGC members are currently supporting 119,000 jobs in the UK – employing 61,000 people directly and employing 58,000 more in the supply chain.

Michael Dugher, CEO of the BGC, spoke of the support the regulated industry could provide, particularly in the wake of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

“The government’s levelling up agenda is a fantastic opportunity to create more apprenticeships and tackle unemployment across the UK,” said Dugher.

“Across the UK, from Stoke to Leeds, BGC members are investing in high tech jobs within their companies more than ever before. They stand ready to support the economic recovery after Covid and provide the skills and opportunities that towns and cities need to thrive.”

Lord Walney, engagement director at The Purpose Coalition, which created the Levelling Up Goals, added that the coalition supports the BGC’s pledge, praising the offering of apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeships will play a huge part in the levelling up process, allowing companies to provide high quality training for thousands of young people,” said Walney.

Yesterday (1 February) the BGC chose self-exclusion platform Gamstop to lead the trial of its “single customer view”, which will see problem gamblers monitored to prevent them from experiencing further gambling harm.