EAST Lancashire MPs Sara Britcliffe and Andrew Stephenson have urged businesses to sign up to the government’s ‘Kickstart’ employment scheme.

It aims to create thousands of new jobs for young people across UK, as part of coronavirus recovery.

Those on Universal Credit aged between 16 and 24 will be offered six-month work placements with wages and training costs paid by the government.

In addition, the government will also pay the employer £1,500 for each young person they take on.

The scheme will initially be open until December 2021 the first entrants expected to begin at the start of November.

Hyndburn MP Miss Britcliffe said: “I’m calling on local employers across Hyndburn and Haslingden to sign up to provide Kickstart jobs.

“We cannot allow young people to be left behind as a result of the coronavirus pandemic."

Pendle MP Mr Stephenson said: “Schemes like this will be vital for creating jobs and giving young people the skills to access them.

"I hope as many as possible in Pendle are able to take part.”