Firms invited to bid for new 126mn pounds UK employment scheme

California Telegraph Tuesday 21st February, 2012

LONDON - Businesses and charities in the country have been invited by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to participate in a new 126 million pounds scheme aimed at getting teenagers of 16 and above age group, who have failed to qualify for higher studies, into pursuing further education, training or work.

Describing the problem of rising youth unemployment as a "ticking time bomb", Clegg said, "We urgently need to step up efforts to ensure some of our most troubled teenagers have the skills, confidence and opportunities to succeed.

Businesses and charities are being invited to bid for contracts to help get 16 and 17 year olds back into education, employment or training.

The new scheme is meant to offer individual, tailored support to an estimated 55,000 young people lacking in good qualifications and who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) into work.

According to the latest statistics, around one in five people between the ages of 16 and 24 are classed as NEET, equivalent to 1.163 million people.

Under the scheme firms can bid for contracts worth up to 2,200 pounds for each young person who must occupy a position in work, education or training for 12 months.

The target group is those who failed to gain any GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) at C grade or above.

The Young People's Learning Agency will be responsible for awarding contracts for the programme in England.

The deadline for the first stage is March 5 and contracts will be awarded in June.

The move forms part of the one billion pounds Youth Contract, launched last November, which aims to lift young people out of unemployment.

Under the government's City Deal programme, which gives more autonomy to cities, three areas Liverpool, Leeds/Bradford-Wakefield, and Newcastle-Gateshead will be able to allocate their own funds.

The government said local authorities were central to the success of the programme, as they could work with providers in identifying youngsters in their areas who will benefit most from the support offered.

Tim Loughton, children and young people's minister, said providers know how best to steer teenagers back into education or employment.

"We are looking forward to receiving some innovative ideas that really work from experienced organisations in all sectors," he said.