Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) availability and (b) affordability of transport options for apprentices working on remote construction sites.

Support for apprentices travelling to sites is provided through employer arrangements including employer-organised transport or reimbursement of travel expenses. On more remote sites accommodation may be provided. The JIB Industrial Determination 2026-2028 details arrangements for apprentices where an employer transports to site or own transport is used and identifying how employer support can be built into terms of employment.

DBT is currently working with industry, including union engagement, to develop a Construction Jobs Plan, as part of delivery of the Industrial Strategy, including addressing potential barriers to jobs and working conditions such as working on sites.