Charity and local business join efforts to tackle youth unemployment in Horsham

PRLog (Press Release) - Jul. 31, 2012 - Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) and Horsham-based company, Interior Concepts Ltd, have joined forces to tackle youth unemployment in Horsham by actively promoting the Government’s new Youth Contract for employers and jobseekers.

The Youth Contract is a £1 billion package of national support to get young people earning or learning again, before any long term associated damages can be done, such as becoming dependant on benefits. It provides employers with a financial incentive of up to £2,275 to employ an 18 to 24 year old from the Work Programme for a minimum of 26 weeks.

Interior Concepts Ltd, who specialises in design, development and installations of bespoke office environments predominately throughout the Home Counties of Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire has employed apprentice Paul Evans with the help of employment consultants at RBLI’s Work Programme Office based in Horsham.

Paul has relished the opportunity that Interior Concepts Ltd and RBLI have provided him. “The role is an amazing chance for me. I always wanted to do this and develop my career, but I never had the opportunity before as I was stuck in jobs where my opportunities were limited. I’m going to use this opportunity to learn as much as I can so I can potentially grow and develop into higher management.”

Colin Wells, founder of Interior Concepts Ltd, is pleased the Youth Contract has worked to his business’ advantage, “The Youth Contract is helping us achieve our long term plans and growth strategy as a business. The incentive to help with wages is a real bonus and enables us to employ people like Paul, and give them a chance at real sustained personal and business development. It’s a win, win for both parties.”

Wendy Wilmot, RBLI’s Employability Consultant who referred Paul to Interior Concepts Ltd is keen to work with similar organisations from the area who are thinking of taking advantage of the contract. “It’s great to work with local employers who are keen to help the younger generation into work. Supporting local people into sustained employment is a priority for RBLI and I hope that other local businesses will come forward to offer the same opportunity to other local young people”

If you are an employer located near Horsham and would like to discuss the Youth Contract, please contact RBLI’s Horsham branch on 01403 211919 or email workplacesolutions@rbli.co.uk. If you are an 18 to 24 year old job seeker please contact your local Job Centre Plus. For general information about the Youth Contract please visit http://www.dwp.gov.uk/youth-contract/.

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