Member Article

‘Youth Contract’ to benefit employers and young people

The Government is set to launch a new £1bn Youth Contract, and Jobcentres in Northumberland will be among 700 across the UK promoting the benefits to employers.

Through the Youth Contract 18-24 year olds will now receive extra support from Jobcentre Plus to give them an edge in the labour market.

Businesses will also get a payment of up to £2,275 for any young adult they employ currently taking part in the Work Programme, in addition to a £1,500 grant currently available to those employers who take on their first apprentice.

Employment Minister, Chris Grayling, said: “Over 34,000 young people have already benefited from voluntary work experience, giving them vital skills and experience in the workplace.

“That’s a good return, but obviously there’s more that needs to be done, and that’s why Government is investing almost £1bn over the next three years to create nearly half a million opportunities for young people.

“But these are opportunities for the employers too, allowing young talent to be developed and making sure prospective employees know what the world of work is all about.

“Through specialist training provided through sector-based work academies and apprenticeships you can rest assured that the candidate is ready and capable of doing the job.”

Steve McCall, Employer Adviser at Jobcentre Plus in Northumberland said: “We know there are many local employers who are keen to help young people in the area, so it’s good to see there are incentives to help them do that.

“We’re inviting anyone from the business community in Northumberland to our breakfast event this week, which is a great opportunity for them to find out about the Youth Contract, and how they can benefit from it.”

The employer breakfast event is set to be held at Ashington Jobcentre between 9am and 10am on Wednesday April 4, when employers can hear from Jobcentre Plus, the National Apprenticeship Service, Northumberland Council Apprenticeships, Ingeus and Avanta.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .