Leisure firms to receive government support

Leisure operators are being encouraged to take advantage of a new government initiative, which guarantees the offer of a job, training or work experience for each unemployed young person across the UK.

Routes into Work - part of the Young Person's Guarantee unveiled on 25 January - has been established by Jobcentre Plus in partnership with training providers to offer eight-week schemes designed to equip young people with relevant skills.

Industry employers are now being offered the chance to work with Jobcentre Plus as part of the initiative to promote vacancies to young candidates who have been able to benefit from the skills training.

Operators will also be able to benefit from a risk-free 'work trial', which enables a young jobseeker to start work while continuing to receive benefits, and a subsidy from £1,000 for each candidate recruited.

Routes into Work is set to create up to 70,000 pre-employment training places as part of the Young Person's Guarantee, which has been developed by the government alongside employers and sector skills councils.

Employment and welfare reform minister, Jim Knight, said: "I'd urge leisure employers to recognise the potential of young people and reap the benefits of what they can contribute to the workplace.

"No business can afford to overlook young people's talent. It is so important for employers and government to continue working together to Back Young Britain."

Circus Casino in Birmingham is one example of an employer to already benefit from pre-employment training, having recruited two young jobseekers following successful job trials.

The casino has recruited Ben Griffin and Craig Rogers as full-time croupiers after signing a Local Employment Partnership with Jobcentre Plus.