A NEW initiative has been launched in a bit to tackle the increasing number of young people out of work.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has announced a new partnership with Adecco Working Ventures.

Together, they will form a new gateway and partner for the Government's new Kickstart Scheme, designed to get young people off universal credit and into work.

Small employers across the North East have a good record of getting ambitious young people into workplaces, and the Kickstart Scheme offers a new route into the workplace go gain experience.

FSB will also be delivering a regional programme of webinars and other resources to encourage, inspire and help small businesses to get involved and make the most of the new Scheme.

Thérèse Coffey MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said, “Small businesses are absolutely vital to our recovery as we build back better and a key part of the Kickstart Scheme.

“SMEs in communities across the country can submit their applications through FSB with the confidence that they’ll be supported throughout the process, and able to ensure each young person makes a success of their Kickstart role. I encourage all small businesses to see if a Kickstart placement could benefit their workplace.”

The Kickstart scheme was announced in July, with the aim of helping 250,000 16-24-year olds on Universal Credit into work placement.