Kingston Job Centre hosted an open day on Monday to mark the start of the government's New Deal initiative aimed at getting young unemployed people into jobs.

Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey was at the event to support the programme, which has already seen a £3.5 billion national investment by the government.

It was an opportunity for local employers to find out about how the New Deal will operate and how they can play a part in it - as well as meet the personal advisers who will help young people brush up their skills and find work.

Job Centre manager Bill Clayton explained the programme would close the gap between what young people had to offer and what employers required by giving on-the-job training, further education and work experience.

He said: "It aims to replace the vicious circle of `no job, no experience: no experience, no job' with real worthwhile work for all young people."

The initiative is for 18 to 24 year olds who have been unemployed for six months or more.

On joining the New Deal they will first enter what is called the Gateway - a period of intensive help and support in finding a job. If they are not able to get into a job quickly, and need further training, there are four options available including voluntary work, a return to full-time education or training, and work with the Environment Task Force.

The fourth option is a subsidised New Deal job where an employer will be paid £60 a week and £750 training costs in return for providing a New Deal employee with training towards an approved qualification.

Mr Clayton said the initiative, part of the government's Welfare to Work programme, would benefit the unemployed and local employers.

"Many local jobs go unfilled yet unemployed young people want work. The New Deal will help bridge the gap between what jobseekers have to offer and what employers are looking for."

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