Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg gave his backing to a scheme to help young people into work or education and urged business leaders to do the same on a visit to Stratford last week.

He hosted a round table discussion at Westfield Stratford City where he was joined by representatives from some of the country’s top businesses including M&S, John Lewis, BT and Asda.

He was accompanied by Chris Grayling, Employment Minister.

Mr Clegg launched a website - dwp.gov.uk/youth-contract- for employers across Britain to sign up to the Youth Contract. He welcomed support from some of Britain’s biggest employer organisations, the Confederation of British Industry, British Chambers of Commerce and the British Retail Consortium and the Federation of Small Businesses.

He said “Supporting people into work is my priority in 2012 and helping young people get proper lasting jobs is especially important.

“The Youth Contract will make sure every unemployed young person starts earning or learning again before long term damage is done.

“But government can’t do this alone, we need businesses to play their part too.”

Mr Grayling said: “Businesses are vital for us to get our support for young people right. With their input we can ensure young people gain the experience and the training to gain sustainable employment.”