Firstport is one of a number of companies that partakes in ther Government Apprentice scheme for which they receive subsidies.(though this is subject to a 0.5% Apprenticership Levy
It is a good deal all round. Firms get subsidies to take on apprentices. This assists companies such as Firstport to attract new staff at a time when so many senior staff are leaving, no one from mainstream property management companies are coming over to Firstport so consequently Firstport are only attracting staff either as apprentices or as a result of redundancy.
You may have seen many references to Firstport Graduates(Graduate implies a higher skill level that is not always born out by the calibre of intake?)
The scheme benefits the Government as it reduces the unemployment figures.
About Peverel had no issue with Firstport being part of the scheme in itself.
That was until we were passed information that showed that hidden in development accounts under the heading "Staff Employment Costs" was a charge to residents for the Government Apprentice Levy.
The apprentice scheme and the levy are purely connected to Firstport as a company and should not ever be part of the development service charge.
About Peverel understands that having been brought to his attention Nigel Howell CEO Firstport will shortly respond to this.
If others have concerns about this matter they should email the CEO at nigel.howell@firstport.co.uk
