Volunteering invitation to jobless

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith announced that advisers from youth charity the Prince’s Trust and other local government voluntary organisations will be located in Jobcentre Plus offices to help jobseekers of all ages find a volunteering or training place.

Ministers said the initiative will particularly benefit young people, adding that the Government was keen to strengthen partnerships with the voluntary sector.

Mr Duncan Smith said: “I am delighted that this partnership with The Prince’s Trust and local voluntary sector organisations across the country will mean thousands of volunteering opportunities for jobseekers – for some it will be a chance to get some valuable experience and gain skills after years without work.

“I have long been a vocal advocate of empowering grass roots organisations, as I believe they have the dedication, experience and specialist knowledge to get Britain working again.”

The chief executive of the Prince’s Trust, Martina Milburn, said: “With youth unemployment at a record high, it is now more important than ever to help young people into jobs. This partnership will help us reach thousands more disadvantaged young people, giving them the skills and confidence to break out of long-term unemployment and poverty.”