NEW YEAR could see a 'new job' for young jobless in Wirral as the New Deal starts in six Jobcentres on Monday, January 5.

From the 'New Deal Floor' at Brunswick House in Birkenhead, and at the other Jobcentres, employment advisers will be working with youngsters aged between 18 and 24 years, to find that vital rung on the employment ladder, if they have been out of work for more than six months.

The countrywide 'New Deal' is being pioneered here in Wirral, where one of the Government Ministers involved, Frank Field MP, has his Birkenhead constituency.

Wirral Council, the Training and Enterprise Council, the Careers Services, local employers, representatives from education, voluntary and environmental sectors are also involved.

Four main options will be offered to young jobless - a subsidised job, including training; full time education, or training; work on the Environmental Task Force, or work with the voluntary sector.

With the subsidised employment option, the employer receives £60 a week for six months, with up to £750 for any in-house training.

The vacancy needs to offer at least 30 hours a week, including the equivalent of one day a week training, which must lead to a recognised qualification. A job of 24 to 29 hours a week would attract a subsidy of £40 a week.

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