The Government's youth contract programme to help tackle unemployment has received the backing of national third sector organisations.

Following a meeting last week with employment minister, Chris Grayling, representatives from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) said they would encourage their members to get involved with the programme. ‘I urge voluntary organisations to consider the opportunities that the youth contract may offer,' explained NCVO deputy chief executive, Ben Kernighan.