Hexham MP Guy Opperman has backed the government's new reforms which boosts local apprentices and small businesses.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak made the announcement in his first major economic speech since the Spring Budget.

The government will fully finance apprenticeships in small businesses starting from April 1, paying the entire cost of training for individuals up to the age of 21.

The new policies are designed to remove the financial strain for small employers as well as to streamline the funding process for apprenticeship sponsors such as further education providers.

Hexham Courant: The government will fully finance apprenticeships in small businesses starting from April 1

Another reform will increase the amount of apprenticeship levy funding that employers can transfer to other businesses.

Large employers will be able to reallocate up to 50 per cent of their unused levy to assist other companies, particularly smaller ones, in employing apprentices.

The programme, which benefits from £60 million of government backing, could facilitate up to 20,000 additional apprenticeships moving forward.

Discussing the reforms, Mr Opperman said: "Since 2010, I have worked closely with local employers to create over 7000 high-quality apprenticeships in Tynedale and Ponteland.

"These newly announced reforms are vital to build on the fantastic progress we have made locally.

"I look forward to marking another 7,000 apprentices created in the near future."