Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many degree students were supported by employers in the most recent year for which figures are available; and in how many such cases tax relief was granted on the employer's costs.

The Higher Education Statistics Agency collects data on students enrolled at UK Higher Education Providers. In academic year 2012/13, there were 18,780 students enrolled on First Degrees in publicly funded Higher Education Institutions in the UK whose main source of tuition fees was their employer. Information on tax relief granted on employers’ costs should be requested from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).