Premier Farnell leads PLCs in scheme to help young people out of unemployment

Premier Farnell leads PLCs in scheme to help young people out of unemployment

13 April 2010 – London – Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl) – the leading multi-channel, high service distributor supporting millions of engineers and purchasing professionals globally and an authority on environmental legislation in the electronics industry – is one of the first UK Public Limited Companies to participate in the Department for Work and Pension’s Future Jobs Fund. The company has created a six-month post for a Corporate Social Responsibility Assistant, based in Leeds, to support its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

To date, the Future Jobs Fund has created around 17,000 placements in the public and third sectors across the UK. The Fund provides paid-for jobs for six months for young people between the age of 18 and 24 in order to help them out of unemployment. In cooperation with Leeds Ahead – a ground-breaking social business and recipient of an Audit Commission Green Flag for its innovative work in the city – and Premier Farnell, the Future Jobs Fund has pioneered the move into the private sector. Premier Farnell and Leeds Ahead are part of a wide partnership FJF programme led by the Leeds City Council.

“The number of people aged 18 to 24 who are claiming Jobseekers Allowance is decreasing, but it is still higher than it was two years ago. We believe that it is imperative that responsible businesses take action to create opportunities for young people, and working with the Future Jobs Fund has given us the chance to offer a young person access to training and development, as well as a guaranteed income,” said Steven Webb, Company Secretary and General Counsel for Premier Farnell plc. “The Fund offers employers a paid role to support their community work, and in return the Company invests time and experience in developing that young person, making them better able to find a job after the programme.”

Shelley Riley of Leeds Ahead said, “It’s fantastic that a major organisation like Premier Farnell recognises the challenges that young people are facing today and are taking such an innovative approach to offer someone a real life changing opportunity.”

Commenting upon his new position as the first participant in the scheme, Martin King said, “I am extremely honoured to be offered this opportunity at Premier Farnell given the company’s strong CSR commitment. Being the first to be offered this role is very special as my successful six-months would not only assist me in broadening my career options, but also lay the foundation for following positions within other private sector organisations.”

www.Premierfarnell.com