Hunter in call to fight youth unemployment

SIR Tom Hunter, the retail and property tycoon, last night threw down the gauntlet to fellow private-sector employers to create jobs for unemployed young people.

Hunter told a meeting in Edinburgh organised by youth jobs website Recruitwork: “I completely welcome Alex Salmond’s appointment of the minister for youth employment and an additional £30 million commitment, but let’s be clear, government has only one part to play in this.

“It’s up to the private, third and public sectors to work in partnership with government to rid Scotland of the horrors of youth unemployment.

“Even if you can’t give a young person a paid job then give them work experience so they get used to turning up to work on time and well turned out.”

Recruitwork was launched by Niall Grant, a 21-year-old entrepreneur from North Berwick, to target the 16-24 age range.

PETER RANSCOMBE