Direct Line Group has made a pledge to the Co-op Levy Share service to provide funding for apprenticeships in Small and Medium sized businesses. The Co-op Levy Share service matches organisations looking to recruit apprentices with potential funding to make that possible. The service’s ambition is to increase provision of apprenticeship opportunities for individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds as well as people from under-represented groups. 

Last year Direct Line Group set out a series of ambitions to play its part in addressing the lack of social mobility within the UK and providing funding to the Co-op’s service will enable the Group to use some of its funding to support external apprenticeships. The apprenticeship levy is paid by all employers with an annual tax bill of more than £3 million and as well as drawing down on the money to fund apprenticeships within its own business, 25 per cent of a company’s funds can be used to support apprenticeship training within SME companies who don’t pay into the levy.

As one of the largest insurance providers in the UK, Direct Line Group already provide around 220 apprentice opportunities within the Group, enabling them to develop technical skills across a variety of functions including vehicle repairs, project management and IT. DLG believes the Co-op Levy Share service is another way of contributing to its sustainability commitment of serving the communities it serves and living up to its purpose of being a force for good.

Jo Smith, HR Delivery Lead at Direct Line Groups said: 

“Apprenticeships are a great way for people to earn while they learn, and we are delighted to be working with the Co-op Levy Share. As a Group we are committed to support the communities in which we serve and are proud to partner with the Co-op to use some of our levy to fund apprentices that might not otherwise happen.”.

Steve Murrells, Co-op Group CEO, said: 

“Helping individuals and their communities’ get fairer access to opportunities that allow them to make the most of their talents, regardless of their background or circumstances is crucial.  Making apprenticeships more accessible is a key part of this and the Co-op Levy Share service is a great example of businesses coming together to help tackle one of the many social injustices people face today.  We’re really pleased that Direct Line Group has pledged to the service, helping to fund more apprenticeships.” 

The Group have already committed £325K towards the Co-op Levy Share supporting apprenticeships at Autism Initiatives which is an Autism charity supporting people, families and carers living with Autism. The funds are also supporting 10 new apprentices at Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service.

Notes for editors:

To find out about the Co-op Levy Share click here: https://www.cooplevyshare.co.uk/

To find out more about the Direct Line Group apprenticeship click here: https://www.directlinegroupcareers.com/apprenticeships/#section1

ENDS

For more information please contact: 

Jade Trimbee

Senior Manager 

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01372 839 452

Mobile: 07825 315 931

 Email: [email protected]

Direct Line Insurance Group plc

Direct Line Group (DLG) is one of the UK’s leading insurance companies. The Group’s vision is to create a world where insurance is personal, inclusive and a force for good. Through its well-known brands which include Direct Line, Churchill, Privilege, Darwin, NIG, Direct Line for Business and Green Flag, DLG helps people to carry on with their lives, giving them peace of mind now and in the future. Its brands offer a wide range of general insurance products across motor, home, commercial, travel, pet and rescue, both direct to customers and through price comparison websites and it underwrites insurance products distributed by its third-party partners. The Group believes that by embracing sustainable practices it creates a better corporate culture able to provide more reliable products and bring long-term rewards for its customers, people and shareholders.

About Co-op 

The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates 2,500 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,100 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. Employing over 62,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of £11.5 billion. As well as having clear financial and operational objectives, the Co-op is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.