“STOCKPORT COMPANIES – GIVE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE A HAND” says Stunell

Andrew Stunell MP is backing Feeding Britain's Future campaign to get young people into employment, and called for more Stockport food companies to get involved.

At the campaign launch in London, Andrew first tried his hand at apple pressing and spoke to young people about what it's like to work in the food industry and the challenges they face securing a job.

Commenting, Andrew said -

"Here in Stockport my challenge to firms to provide 100 new apprenticeships in a hundred days has already led to over 70 offers. But I still want to see more companies stepping forward. It really is good value for them, and for the young people concerned."

"The food industry's commitment means there is direct support for local food firms to get involved. It was great to see companies like the Co-op and all the major supermarkets show-casing their apprenticeship schemes. Now I just want to see them all signing up Stockport young people!"

Feeding Britain's Future is an initiative involving the entire food and grocery industry to help tackle youth unemployment. As Britain's biggest private sector employer, over 100 businesses from across the industry have pledged support for the campaign.

Across 1,000 locations this September 12,000 young unemployed people will be offered pre-employment training. Employers will share their advice and experience and showcase the huge variety of careers in the sector during Skills for Work Month.

A successful week-long pilot in 2012 led 98% of young participants to be more likely to consider a career in the sector and feel more confident about applying for jobs.

There were real benefits for businesses that took part too: 14% of participating employers offered job interviews to the young people they met, and 18% offered work experience opportunities.

Now Andrew wants more employers from Stockport to play their part and sign up at -www.igd.com/feedingbritainsfuture

Young unemployed people interested in participating should speak to their JobCentre Plus adviser.