Premier Farnell's leading role in job creation scheme

ELECTRONICS distributor Premier Farnell will become one of the first UK plcs to participate in the Government's Future Jobs Fund to get young people into work.

The company has created a six-month post for a corporate social responsibility assistant, based in Leeds.

The Future Jobs Fund provides paid-for jobs for six months for young people between the age of 18 and 24 in order to help them out of unemployment.

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In co-operation with Leeds Ahead and Premier Farnell, the Future Jobs Fund is pioneering the move into the private sector.

Steven Webb, Premier Farnell's company secretary, said: "The number of people aged 18 to 24 who are claiming Jobseekers Allowance is decreasing, but it is still higher than it was two years ago.

"We believe that it is imperative that responsible businesses take action to create opportunities for young people, and working with the Future Jobs Fund has given us the chance to offer a young person access to training and development, as well as a guaranteed income."

Shelley Riley, of Leeds Ahead, said: "It's fantastic that a major organisation like Premier Farnell recognises the challenges that young people are facing today and are taking such an innovative approach to offer someone a real life changing opportunity."

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Commenting upon his new position as the first participant in the scheme, Martin King said, "Being the first to be offered this role is very special as my successful six months would not only assist me in broadening my career options, but also lay the foundation for following positions within other private sector organisations." Leeds Ahead provides businesses and employers with a single point of access to a wide range of community-focused projects across the city.

Premier Farnell, whose chief executive is Harriet Green, recently reported signs that it is clawing its way out of the global recession.

The Leeds-based company distributes thousands of items ranging from batteries to microchips to companies such as Philips, Microsoft and Nokia.