Scheme will draw youth into employment - mayor

Young people in the West Midlands with health conditions will be helped into work as part of a £5.7m scheme, regional officials say.

Connect to Work is expected to help up to 1,400 people aged between 18 and 24 to find jobs, the West Midlands Combined Authority said.

In combination with the seven councils in the region, the authority said it would work with businesses "so young people can be matched to the right jobs".

Across the region 27,265 young people claim Universal Credit, of which 12,660 have health conditions, the authority said.

All council areas have higher rates of people aged between 18 and 24 claiming unemployment related benefits than the national average.

Last summer, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker pledged to work with businesses to create 20,000 new work experience opportunities, training placements and apprenticeships for young people.

Last month, YouthPath was set up by charity Movement to Work and the WMCA to help create career opportunities for young people not in education, employment or training.

"Every person in our region should have the same to access to work opportunities - including people with disabilities or long term health conditions," Mr Parker said.

"By having the same access to opportunities, everyone has the freedom to make the right choices for them - to help them earn, live independently and improve their health and wellbeing."

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