4,000 jobs for young people in Sandwell

The director of a major food supplier has welcomed a new campaign to provide guaranteed jobs for up to 4,000 young people in Sandwell.

East End Foods in West Bromwich is one of the first firms to sign up to the Sandwell Guarantee.

The Sandwell Council scheme, believed to be the first of its kind, is designed to guarantee a paid job or training place for at least six months.

East End Foods director Roger Wouhra said he was pleased to back the project.

"We are a national business proud to have our roots in Sandwell and we are fully behind the council's drive to tackle youth unemployment.

"Young people are our future and it is vital we give them a chance to get on the work ladder and make a successful career for themselves," he said.

The council's cabinet member for jobs and economy Councillor Ian Jones said: "Youth unemployment is a terrible waste of talent and we have to do everything we can to tackle it."

The launch of the Sandwell guarantee scheme at East End Foods

Council chief executive Jan Britton said: "Sandwell's businesses are a key strength of the borough and there is nothing we can't achieve if we work together for young people."

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So far 21 firms across Sandwell have signed up to the council-led scheme, which is largely aimed at young people not in employment, education or training.

The number of these young people, called NEET, has dropped by 2.2 per cent in the borough from last year to 602, but the council is aiming to cut this even further with the Sandwell Guarantee.

Under the scheme the council will match young people with local businesses seeking to fill new posts.

The council will work with organisations such as Job Centre Plus, schools, colleges and the voluntary sector to get young people on board.