EXPERTS have pledged their support to combat youth unemployment as part of the new Foundation for Jobs campaign.

The initiative calls for closer working between business leaders, educationalists, politicians and government officials to create opportunities for young people in the Redcar and Cleveland area.

The council is co-ordinating the project aimed at delivering further reductions in youth unemployment which has tumbled from 16 per cent to about 9 per cent since January, 2013.

Mark Hannon, the Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “Working with the industry it aims to create additional apprenticeships and internships, as well as building closer links with business for young people who are still at school.

“It’s a proven strategy for preventing them falling into unemployment.”

The foundation aims to ensure that young people have the skills and abilities to fill the 2,000 vacancies per year that are expected in Redcar & Cleveland.

In addition, delegates discussed what needed to be done to increase the number of opportunities that are available to local young people.

Workplace experience is one area that both employers and young people agree is lacking and as the pledge develops it is expected to be a key area to address.