Ms Blears began the scheme after becoming increasingly concerned by the number of young people who told her they had missed out on jobs because they did not have the experience, but they could not get the experience because they had not had a job.
But within a couple of months of celebrating their involvement in the first Kids Without Connection at a special Parliament reception, around half of the 23 young people involved had found meaningful jobs.
Ms Blears is now inviting companies interested in offering a young person up to four weeks of unpaid work experience during the second Kids Without Connections scheme to learn more about what is involved.
A special business lunch has been arranged with help from the Salford Business Group at the stunning new Damson Restaurant at MediaCity in Salford on Friday, February 15.
Owner Steve Pilling is kindly laying on a two-course meal.
The scheme is run with Salford City College’s Trinity Business Training, and college principal Martin Sim will be among the speakers.
Ms Blears said: “With unemployment still high in Salford, particularly among the under-24s, it is increasingly hard for young people to get that crucial foot in the door.
“It is particularly difficult for those from poorer backgrounds, whose families may not have connections among relatives, friends and colleagues to help them get work experience.
“I started Kids Without Connections because I didn’t want their potential to be wasted and I wanted to do something to give them hope for the future.
“I was so pleased to see so many of those who took part in last year’s scheme go on to find work but it would not be possible without the help of the businesses community".
Obviously some types of "unemployed people" deserve to be paid at least national minimum wage whilst gaining all important 'work experience' and some, "those from poorer backgrounds, whose families may not have connections among relatives, friends and colleagues to help them get work experience", it would appear, don't. No doubt Hazel can explain why the distinction.




