MORE than one in four employers of apprentices in the South West are unsure of the minimum wage rules.

The findings from Learning and Work Institute come after a Government survey showed one in five apprentices across England reported being paid less than the minimum wage they are legally entitled to.

The government is expanding apprenticeships, aiming for three million by 2020 and introducing an Apprenticeship Levy requiring large firms to invest.

The survey of 2,000 employers across England, found high awareness of the National Minimum Wage, but low awareness of the rules for apprentices. The research also involved focus groups.

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute, said: “It’s clear we need to do more to ensure everyone’s aware of the rules.”