Matt’s birthday is the only excuse I have for a lie-in

There is no doubt that times have been tough for young people. With their education disrupted and separated from friends, the lockdown has hit them hard. But problems for this generation are likely to persist long after the pandemic as they seek to enter the world of work.

With many businesses struggling to survive after being shut for so long, taking on new starters is probably the last thing on their minds.

Since January 2020, the number of people claiming Universal Credit in the city has risen from 4,350 to 10,140, a rise of 130 per cent year-on-year, with 1,871 young people in that number.

So it is heartening to report today on page 23 how the 100 in 100 campaign, set up by Shaping Portsmouth in partnership with the Portsmouth education and business community to give young people a muchneeded boost, is already showing encouraging results.

The campaign, supported by The News, hopes to create a total of 100 roles in 100 days in the wake of shocking figures showing youth employment is at its lowest for five years.

Seven weeks after its February launch, 100 in 100 has already seen 18 employers in the Portsmouth area commit to taking on 31 young people. Others are already in the pipeline to boost this figure still further.

Companies getting involved range from a marketing agency and an accountants to a hairdressing salon.

Many of the placements so far are apprenticeships provided in conjunction with local colleges as training providers.

But 100 in 100 can also include traineeships, T-level paid placements , internships, work experience and Kickstarters.

We urge more companies to come forward and be part of this great initiative so that by June 6 we're celebrating reaching that 100 target.

Happy Birthday to my incredible husband and father to Harley – Matt. I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since we celebrated his 40th in lockdown. Now at 41 we’ve spent his birthday at Marwell Zoo (not really for him obviously) and our first night away from Harley for about eight months at least.

We’re going to the pub for a nice meal and while I’d love to dress up, I can’t bear the thought of being cold and

I’m taking a hot water bottle with me. It may not be a sexy look, but I won’t last more than 20 minutes outside if

I’m cold.

We’ve waited a long time for a pint and even longer fo r a lie in. I can’t contain my excitement for sleeping in past 6am!

We’ve rallied around and proven that, once again, we’re united