The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has welcomed the government's plans to establish a new quality institute for apprenticeships. 

Chancellor George Osborne unveiled the proposals in the Autumn Statement, where he also gave more details on the already-announced apprenticeship levy. 

UKWA chief executive officer Peter Ward explained the levy rate was set at 0.5 per cent of payroll costs, inclusive of a £15,000 allowance to offset associated apprenticeship costs. 

He welcomed the fact that only the largest companies - those whose payroll costs exceed £3 million - will pay this levy. 

Mr Ward described this as a very positive development for the industry, as it will help to address a chronic skills shortage. 

"Looking to big employers for the necessary investment in nurturing and developing young talent, for their own businesses but for others too, is a creative solution and one that we welcome," he remarked.