NORTH Yorkshire’s 2,560 young jobseekers – 980 of them in York – can now take part in work experience placements lasting up to eight weeks, without it affecting their benefits, under new Government rules.

The introduction of the Work Experience Initiative is part of a £200 million Government package that gives 18 to 24-year-olds the opportunity to develop their skills, enhance their CV and build new contacts to get into work.

Young people who are interested in doing work experience can arrange a placement themselves or talk to their Jobcentre Plus adviser who will match them with a suitable opportunity in their local area.

The Government is also calling for businesses of all sizes in York and North Yorkshire to contact their local Jobcentre Plus to offer, work experience to young people.

So far employers, including Skanska, McDonald’s and Hilton Worldwide, have signed up. This includes 100 placements at Hilton Worldwide hotels in the UK.