Written question asked by Paul Rowen (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 1 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 March 2010. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Thursday, 4 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Employment Schemes: Young People

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what programmes her Department has to assist young people into employment in Rochdale and the North West; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: The Government have implemented a substantial package of national measures to address youth unemployment, which are helping young people in the North West region and Rochdale as well as elsewhere. Young people aged 16 to 24 can access apprenticeships, internships, mentoring and work experience through Backing Young Britain. Jobseekers aged 18 to 24 who have been unemployed for six months are guaranteed the offer of a job, training or work experience through the Young Person's Guarantee via provision that includes the Future Jobs Fund, Routes into Work, Work Focused Training, and the Community Task Force, as well as internships and access to help with self employment. From April taking up one of these options will become mandatory.We have so far agreed to fund 17,078 jobs under the Future Jobs Fund in the North West.

Secondary information