LOCAL newspapers provide a valuable service to communities right across the country.
At a time when we know many people are having difficulty finding work it's great to see titles, like The Citizen, taking a proactive approach to helping its readership connect with opportunities that are out there.
The Government will continue to work hard to create the conditions for businesses to grow and provide people with the support they need to get back into work.
Nowhere is this more important than for young people who may lack the skills and experience they need to get their foot on the first rung of the careers ladder. That is why we introduced the Youth Contract, which hugely increases the amount of work experience and apprentice opportunities available for young people.
It gives 18-24-year-olds the chance to do up to eight weeks of work experience while keeping their benefits.
And because we know times are tough for businesses, we want to make it easier to employ and train young people. That is why we are offering cash payments of up to £2,275 for employers that recruit young people, who have been out of work for at least six months.
I would like to encourage businesses across Gloucester, be they big multinationals or small family firms, to take advantage of this and give a local young person the chance to show you what they can do.
Getting people into work is my number one priority, which is why I'm happy to support The Citizen's jobs campaign. Having people in work is good for the local community as a whole.
