LOCAL MP WELCOMES JOB CENTRE PLUS INITIATIVES

Michael Connarty MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk has warmly welcomed the recent initiatives announced by the Government and Jobcentre Plus which guarantee to help young people in the 18-24 age bracket find work.

“Backing Young Britain”is a cross Government campaign to ensure employers do everything possible to give young people the chance of a job or relevant training to gain skills and experience. In practical terms from day one of a jobseekers allowance claim 18-24 year olds will be offered group jobsearch sessions and after three months on J.S.A will be eligible for two weeks of work experience placements.

Further to this the Young Persons Guarantee initiative which starts in 2010 will guarantee a job or training to all 18-24 year olds throughout the UK. This will be delivered through “Sectoral Routeways”which will give a recruitment subsidy to employers in the retail,leisure,travel and tourism industries with the green jobs sector to follow. The “Future Jobs Fund” will also aim to create one hundred and fifty thousand new jobs lasting at least six months in economic black spots,all of these jobs will be for a salary at least set at national minimum wage rates.

Michael said "these announcements are exactly what young people in my constituency need to help them find meaningful work in the present economic climate. The Government must never stand by and see a generation left without skills and decent job opportunities. I will ensure all 18-24 year olds in Linlithgow and East Falkirk are made aware of these excellent new employment initiatives".