SWANLEY: New scheme is a cut above the rest (From News Shopper)

SWANLEY: New scheme is a cut above the rest

11:06am Tuesday 22nd June 2010 in News By Abigail Foulkes

A SCHEME to tackle youth unemployment is making its mark on the high street.

First Steps to Employment (FTSE), a not-for-profit company in Swanley that employs tradespeople aged 16 to 24, sent two of its workers down to refurbish Tag hair salon on Bexley High Street.

Owner of Tag Barbara Whiting said: “We employ people on the FTSE in the hairdressing industry, so how refreshing to find the same opportunities being given in another industry that’s good value.”

FTSE hopes to generate more work by encouraging businesses to employ them.

Founder Neville Gaunt said:“In any business you want to turn a profit quickly so you can reinvest and grow, but our growth is reflected by employing more young people and developing their skills.”