MODERN Apprenticeships rates are set to change in South Ayrshire following a meeting at the council.

At the recent Leadership Panel (Education) meeting at County Hall, councillors met to discuss the rate of pay for modern apprenticeships.

Specifically, since 2010, the Council has paid the national minimum Modern Apprenticeship rate of £3.40 per hour; prior to 2010 a flat weekly rate of £80 was paid.

A benchmarking survey, carried out as part of a service review, established that, of the 24 councils which responded, only four pay the MA rate; 37 per cent pay the Living Wage (currently £8.25).

The remaining 47 per cent pay something else (ranging from a locally determined wage to £5.55 which is the national minimum wage for 18-20 year olds).

At the meeting, officers had proposed a number of ideas to councillors in which one was to keep the rate of pay at £3.40 per hour however members did not see this as an appropriate action to take.

Another proposal, was to lessen the number of Modern Apprenticeships, but increase the pay to £5.55 per hour for 18-20-year-olds.

Any financial implications would be outlined in the South Ayrshire Council budget that will be undertaken on March, 2.

Councillor John McDowell said: “I welcome this report to raise it to £5.55 per hour.

“A 63 per cent increase is good for anyone. This is a good outcome.”

Councillor Philip Saxton said: “I was surprised to learn Modern Apprenticeships were only getting £3.40 per hour.

“If we knew of this earlier it could have been sorted out. You cannot expect to pay 18/19-year-olds to work for £3.40 an hour.”

Councillor Rita Miller said: “I think the least we can do is go to £5.55 per hour.”

Ayr councillor Bill Grant said: “I welcome this. I think it’s good.

“Finances are challenging, 10 less Modern Apprenticeships is regrettable but it is a wise move.”

The report was then approved by councillors. Pay increases for Modern Apprenticeships are expected to take affect on April, 1.