A mentoring scheme tackling youth joblessness across the borough has been praised by the Shadow Employment Minister.

East Ham MP Stephen Timms recently congratulated CIPD, a professional body for HR and people development, for its work with youth employment initiative Steps Ahead Mentoring.

As the CIPD’s first “MP champion” for the scheme, Mr Timms joined mentors and young people at West Ham United Football Club last month to celebrate its success and to encourage more people to sign up.

“Young people are often at a disadvantage when it comes to finding work,” he said. “Those that have never had access to good-quality careers advice can find it very difficult to bridge the gap into the workplace.

“Just a few hours of mentoring is often all it takes to give young people the direction and support they need to move confidently into working life.

“The Steps Ahead mentors are fantastic role models to help young people unlock their true potential.”

The programme, which currently boasts more than 2,200 volunteers, is aimed at jobseekers aged 18-24 – many who have never worked before.

Open to members of the CIPD and supported by Nesta and the Cabinet Office, the scheme is completely free and matches volunteers with jobseekers by referral from Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches.

For more information about the project, visit cipd.co.uk.