A NEW campaign is being launched to highlight how local summer jobs can help set young people on the path to a brighter future.

The Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey is highlighting the value of summer jobs to help young people get a foot in the door, gain experience for a CV and stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs in the future.

The campaign comes at a time when Saturday and part time employment rates amongst young people have been falling.

In 1997, 42 per cent of 16 to 17 year old and 39 per cent of 18 to 24 year old students combined work and study, which had fallen to 18 per cent and 33 per cent in 2014 respectively.

As part of the campaign, a dedicated portal for summer job applications has been launched on the free Government jobs site Find a Job to make it easier than ever to find the perfect role.

The campaign will connect young people with the portal so they can find the right match for them, and more employers are being urged to get on board.

Work and Pensions Secretary of State Esther McVey said: “Employers tell me it makes all the difference when young people are work ready – and we want to support them to do just that.

“By getting even short term work, young people can build those all-important practical skills to help them ‘stand out from the crowd’ – and the job might even get them in front of their future boss.”

Jobcentre Plus South East’s Hazel Prior said: “I’d encourage any young person to consider doing a part-time job that fits around their education.

“It’s a great way to develop their skills, get some experience in the work place and also looks good on their CV when they are applying for roles in the future.

“There are lots of opportunities being advertised on the Summer Jobs portal in the South East varying from hospitality, to retail and office work – and you never know what a summer role could lead on to.”

For more details and to search for a job, visit www.findajob.dwp.gov.uk