Business backed youth contracts will bring more jobs to the South Lakes says MP

Local MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that many of Britain's biggest businesses' are formal backing the £1billion Youth Contract which aims to ensure all young people are earning or learning.

In the North West youth unemployment stands at 20.3%. The figure for youth unemployment is far lower inCumbriaand even lower still in the South Lakes but Tim is still working hard to bring greater investment to our area and more opportunities for better paid jobs.

Starting in April, the Youth Contract will nationally provide at least 410,000 new work places for 18 to 24 year olds over the next three years. This includes 160,000 wage subsidies and 250,000 new work experience placements.

It is hoped that this will put an end to the 26,000 16-17 year olds in the North West who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) and the 3.5% of 16-24 year olds in the South Lakes who receive Job Seekers Allowance.

With backing from Britain's biggest businesses such as the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Tim is hoping that it will help him in his challenge to businesses and the public sector to make 2012 the year of the apprenticeship.

Commenting, Tim said: "Youth unemployment needs to be stopped sooner rather than later otherwise the consequences could be felt for decades afterwards. We need to ensure young people do not have a false start.

"That is why it is excellent news that Britain's four biggest employer organisations are backing the scheme. I look forward to working with local employers to make sure the Youth Contract is a success so that we won't lose the skills and talent of our young people - right when we need them most."

John Cridland, CBI Director-General, added: "The Youth Contract is good news for young people up and down the country. It will encourage firms to give a young inexperienced person a chance so that the scourge of youth unemployment can be tackled.

"We sincerely hope that employers of all sizes looking to hire staff will see the Youth Contract as a real incentive to invest in our young people."