A GROUND-BREAKING partnership between Sandwell Council and businesses will provide guaranteed jobs for up to 4,000 young people.

The council-led scheme to guarantee paid work or training for at least six months and so far 21 firms have joined the scheme aimed at young people not in employment, education or training.

The scheme is the first time a council and local businesses have combined to give a guarantee of a job to young people.

The idea is the brainchild of council leader Councillor Darren Cooper.

He said: “Any young person who wants a job will get one - they are our future and we want to give them a helping hand to get on the career ladder.

“There are many fantastic businesses in Sandwell like East End Foods who are committed to helping young people fulfil their potential.”

East End Foods director Roger Wouhra said: “We are a national business proud to have our roots in Sandwell and we are fully behind the council’s drive to tackle youth unemployment.

“Young people are our future and it is vital we give them a chance to get on the work ladder and make a successful career for themselves.”

Under the Sandwell Guarantee employers can offer jobs, apprenticeships, or internships but they must be paid and new, not existing.

The council will split the cost of wages 50/50 for up to one year.

The council’s cabinet member for jobs and economy Councillor Ian Jones hopes the scheme will thwart youth unemployment.

He said: “Youth unemployment is a terrible waste of talent and we have to do everything we can to tackle it.”

Council chief executive Jan Britton added: “Sandwell’s businesses are a key strength of the borough and there is nothing we can’t achieve if we work together for young people.”