Aid for young workers

MEASURES to open the jobs market for young people by creating new alternance work experience incentives could create 200,000 jobs by 2015.

Firms with more than 250 employees must give 4% of their jobs for work experience placements (up from 3%) in a bid to bring down the numbers of young unemployed, which sees nearly one in four 15-24 year olds out of work. Part-time and seasonal work is also included in alternance contracts for the first time.

The minimum age for starting an apprenticeship or work training scheme has also been reduced and could see 14-year-olds starting work if they have finished troisième at collège.