Hundreds of jobs for young people

A £2.3m government grant is to create 356 job placements to help get young people in Norfolk into full-time work.

Six-month, fully subsidised placements for 18-24 year olds will be available through Job Centre Plus from October.

The jobs will run at the minimum wage for 25 hours a week, which the council said would offer job seekers valuable work experience and a regular income.

To be eligible, applicants must have claimed Jobseekers' Allowance for between six months and a year.

Community based

Jobs will be available in "green" industries, construction, retail, mechanics, clerical, gardening, plastering, painting and decorating.

County council leader Daniel Cox said: "Most of the jobs will be community based roles and will provide training as part of the contract.

"It is hoped that some of the employers may be able to offer ongoing employment to some of the people after the initial six-month funded period.

"Even where this is not the case, the experience gained and the skills learned in this six months will put these jobseekers in a much better position to find work with other employers."