The business lobby group said that reforms are essential to support the retail and wholesale industry which underpins economic activity across the country.

It is keen to see greater flexibility in the apprenticeship levy, a move which could have an impact on a sector which already spends £4bn a year on training. This amounts to a tenth of all training spend in the UK.

The reform would give employers more flexibility in how they use their funds, helping to create high-value growth opportunities, as well as developing the digital skills that employees will be able to use throughout their careers.