AN MP says more than 320 young people are in work thanks to a government employment scheme.

Kickstart has been assisting 16 to 24-year-olds claiming Universial Credit into employment during the pandemic.

Part of the Plan for Jobs, the idea is to find openings and develop skills to get that crucial first step on the jobs ladder.

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford said: "“The pandemic has been tough for young people, especially those looking for a job.

"We want to ensure that no young person is left behind as we continue our recovery."

Figures show that nationally 100,000 young people have been given a job through Kickstart.

The scheme was recently expanded and will now continue in the same vein until March 2022.

Work and Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey added: "Kickstart employers up and down the country are giving young people the chance to get on the jobs ladder.

“Having hit the 100,000 milestone, we are now on the last lap and I encourage employers and young people to take advantage of this opportunity as we head towards the finish line of the great Kickstart scheme."

Mr Wakeford also said: "“The Conservative Government’s Kickstart Scheme is helping us deliver on that mission – getting more young people into work across the constituency as part of the 100,000 helped nationwide.

“This will give more young people the best possible start in the workplace – helping them get a high wage, high skilled job they will need for the future.”