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date: 2 September 2009

embargo: For immediate release

Jobs Guarantee expansion is fantastic news for young people, says TUC

Responding to the expansion of the Government's Jobs Guarantee today (Wednesday) to young people who have been unemployed for ten months, as part of the Backing Young Britain campaign, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'This is fantastic news for the many young people who are in desperate need of work.

'In previous recessions many young people have been left on the scrapheap. Today's announcement shows the Government is committed to not letting this happen again.

'Demand will be high so it's good to see so many places already on offer. The Government must also ensure that any new opportunities provide access to real jobs, offering good prospects and a decent wage.

'As a signatory to Backing Young Britain, the TUC will continue to encourage businesses to take on more young people, both as employees and as apprentices.

'We expect the Jobs Guarantee to be a huge success and the Government should consider extending it to anyone who has been out of work for over a year.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- Congress 2009 will be held at the BT Convention Centre, Liverpool from Monday 14 September to Thursday 17 September. All applications for media passes must be received no later than noon Monday 7 September. Any applications received after this date will be processed in Liverpool and subject to a £50 administration fee. The form for media credentials, plus information on how to book wireless internet access and a phone line at the BT Convention Centre can be accessed at www.tuc.org.uk/mediacredentials

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 2 Sep 2009