‘Bootcamp’ to push young into work

JOBLESS youngsters will be sent on a three-week work ‘bootcamp’ or face losing their benefits, it will be announced today.

Ministers say that all youngsters aged between 18 and 0 who are not in a job, education or training will be ‘put through their paces’ for 71 hours with a dedicated coach to help them find work within six months.

From 017, Jobseekers’ Allowance will be replaced by a Youth Allowance for under- 1s at the same rate of £57.90 a week.

But it only lasts six months unless the applicant finds a job, does training or carries out work experience or community work.

Within the first three weeks of claiming unemployment benefit, jobseekers under 1 will take up an Intensive Activity Programme, or ‘bootcamp’ intended to help them find ‘sustainable employment’.

The intensive five-hours-aday training will take place in a job centre, and will include practising writing C Vs , applications and interview techniques as well as an extensive job search tailored to younger people.

Youngsters will face further benefit sanctions if they do not attend the course.

Matt Hancock, chair of the Earn or Learn taskforce, said the scheme would create a ‘no excuses’ culture to tackle the ‘tragic cycle’ of long-term youth unemployment.