Jobless 'should improve skills'

Wednesday 18th April 2012

Unemployed young people are being urged to improve their skills while they wait for work to tackle preconceptions that the jobless are idle.

Youth charity Rathbone launched new training scheme In2Work, citing a survey that showed that only 15% of people questioned thought the unemployed were doing enough to get work.

Rathbone, based in Manchester, has also produced a poster with the message: "Wakey, Wakey - someone as talented as you really out to be working."

The charity are encouraging people aged 19 to 24 to sign up In2Work training programme, which teaches them skills such as how to write a CV and conduct a job interview.

Peter Gibson, from Rathbone, said: "Times are really tough for young job hunters, particularly if they are female and from the North. But while jobs might be scarce, the opportunities to better yourself and be prepared for when recession lifts are plentiful.

"So our message is: No excuses, get into training and give yourself a better chance of gaining employment."

Rathbone carried out a survey in more than 60 communities in England and found that 65% of people thought the unemployed were idle and 67% thought they received too many benefits.

The In2Work course runs in the North East, North West, South West, East Midlands, West Midlands, West Yorkshire and London. To enrol, email enquiries@rathboneuk.org or phone 0800 7315321.

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