Jobless school-leavers in London’s deprived East End who are not in further education are being offered a chance of work experience in the City.

A new business-education partnership scheme announced this week has been set up for 16 to 24-year-olds in Tower Hamlets by the City Corporation to spend two days at a firm to gain an insight into the working world.

Those taking part get ‘employability’ sessions to learn skills in communication and interview techniques, ready for the jobs market. The most committed to finding work also have a chance for an extra week’s placement.