Businesses urged to tackle Plymouth unemployment (From Mid Devon Star)

Businesses urged to tackle Plymouth unemployment

1:08pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in Devon

A new club set up to tackle unemployment among Plymouth’s young people is calling for 1,000 businesses to sign up to the campaign.

Companies in the city are being invited to a launch this Friday to hear more about the 1,000 Club, which aims to make it easier for employers and young people to join forces. This could include work experience, graduate internships, apprenticeships and jobs, either full or part-time.

Councillor leader Tudor Evans said: “We want to help young people into employment – it’s as simple as that. We know it’s tough out there – not just for young people, but also for many of our businesses – but maybe they can help each other.

"If 1,000 businesses – whatever their size, took on just one young adult – either as work experience or an apprenticeship or part-time, 1,000 young people will get a feel for life at work and a handle of what skills they need to develop.

"This is not just businesses ‘being nice’ and doing Plymouth’s young people a favour. There are real benefits to be had: fresh ideas, enthusiasm, IT skills that some of us may not have.”

The 1,000 Club is being set up through the Plymouth Growth Board, which is a partnership between business and senior public sector leaders.

Chairman Doug Fletcher said: “This is really exciting. We can all wring our hands constantly and do nothing, or we can take active steps to bring about change. What may be a relatively small step for a company can have a massive impact on a young person who is given a vital foot in the door.”

Club members will get a website to channel enquiries from employers and potential employers, advice and guidance.

Businesses are welcome to attend the event, which will be held at the Bayliss Conference Suite off Research Way, Tamar Science Park. It starts at 7.30am and ends at 9am. To attened email mark.looker@plymouth.gov.uk.