Jobcentreplus in Beverley invited local businesses to a coffee morning that was also attended by MP Graham Stuart.
The breakfast morning was held to promote the Youth Contract, which contains a set of support measures for 18-24 year olds to help them into employment.
John Bennett, the Senior Operations Manager for North / East Yorkshire and the Humber told HU17.net;
“Our major aim is to promote wage incentives, work experience and apprenticeships. It is important we can show local companies that taking on a young person is a straightforward process.”
“We had over 20 Beverley businesses here today. It was a great chance to network and create new contacts. From this morning we, Jobcentreplus, have established a number of new contacts that we can now follow up and start turning into opportunities for young people.”
In response to the challenge of youth unemployment the Government announced a £1billion Youth Contract in April 2012 providing nearly half-a-million new opportunities for 18-24 year olds, including apprenticeships and voluntary work experience placements. Included in the Youth Contract are:
• Wage incentives – Until April 2015 employers are able to take advantage of wage incentives. These are worth up to £2,275 each where they employ an eligible 18 to 24 year old through Jobcentre Plus or from the Work Programme.
• Work experience – Extra work experience places will be available across Great Britain between 2012 and 2015 ensuring there is an offer of a place for every 18 to 24 year-old who wants one, before they enter the Work Programme.
• Apprenticeship wage incentives – Further wage incentives are available to support new apprenticeship pathways for 16-24 year olds in England and encourage small employers, who have not previously taken on apprentices to benefit from the Apprenticeship programme.
John added;
“There were quite a few companies who we have not worked with before but now as a result of this event Jobcentreplus has been able to establish a contact with them, which is a very positive step forward.”
Young people aged 18 -24 are more prone to be unemployed, but it is not all bad news, however. Indeed there are a record number of high quality apprenticeships being created and filled in this region.
With manufacturing figures up for September 2013 and an estimated six thousand fewer people unemployed it is hoped events like this will help stimulate and develop a greater number of job opportunities for young people.
MP Graham Stuart said about the event;
“I was pleased to co-host this event with Beverley Jobcentre and delighted by the number of businesses that came along to show an interest in providing employment experience and new opportunities for young people.”
“It is vital that we support young people into the workplace if we want to convert claimants into contributors, reduce our welfare bill and turn the economy around.”
Companies wishing to discuss how they can work with Jobcentreplus or find out more about the incentives on offer can do so by calling 01482 332828
