HAMPSHIRE fire chiefs could be forced to hire dozens more apprentices to avoid being left out of pocket by a new Government scheme.
Ministers have imposed a £200,000 levy on Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in exchange for subsiding pay for apprentices under 18.
But the service currently employs two apprentices, well below the target of around 40.
A need for operational staff to be 18 or above means the service may have to take "significantly more apprentices per year" to make its money back, according to a new report.
The service has written to the Government suggesting targets be shared across counties, saying the move could hit already stretched budgets. at smaller authorities.
A way forward will be discussed by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority's human resources committee on Wednesday.
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