Paid jobs in voluntary sector under £10m plan

Young jobless people could be given paid work in the voluntary sector as part of a £10 million employment programme.

The money, which was first unveiled last week in the Scottish Government's budget for 2011-12, aims to help 2,000 people aged 16 to 24.

Details of the Community Jobs Scotland scheme were outlined today by finance secretary John Swinney, who said: "This initiative will provide job opportunities for those who are finding it hardest to access employment, with training tailored to support each young person's future efforts to find work.

"The training aspect is particularly important when married with the experience that sustained employment offers to those involved."

The plan would support young people out of work for six months or more into a job in the voluntary, or third, sector in their community. Contracts would be of 25 hours a week or more for at least the minimum wage, the government said.

Some older people will be given the chance in areas where unemployment is highest.

It came as First Minister Alex salmond announced he is writing to 200 top firms to encourage them to take on apprentices as part of a initiative.

Participants will get job-related training to help them go on to find full-time jobs.

Mr Salmond yesterday issued a "clarion call" to businesses to take advantage of funding for apprenticeships.