Thursday, 05 November 2009 19:47

Businesses need to do more to support government moves aimed at getting young people into the job market, Yvette Cooper, Work and Pensions Secretary of State, told a conference this morning.

Ms Cooper said billions of pounds of additional funding had been invested in getting people back to work, but warned "the government cannot do it alone".

The Secretary of State used today's Welfare to Work 09 conference to discuss her campaign to get young people into sustained employment.

"We need employers to do more. We are launching a campaign backing Britain and young people. We are encouraging people to give young people help – apprenticeships, internships or a bit of work experience. I urge organisations to Back Young Britain," she said.

However, Susan Hayday, director of workplace learning strategy at Foundation Degree Forward, insisted more focus was needed on getting people into long-term work, rather than just into employment.

"What we are looking for is a workplace environment where people can learn and move within the workplace. We do not just want people to get into work - but to move through work," said Ms Hayday.

A Back to Work White Paper is due to be released by the end of the year.

(Pictured: Yvette Cooper, Work and Pensions Secretary of State)