Jobseekers have taken part in more than 469,000 voluntary placements through Jobcentre Plus since January 2011, according to new figures published today by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Around seven in ten participants were young people able to gain skills and experience to help them move into paid work. Accordingly, the number of young people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance is now at its lowest since the 1970s.

The numbers include:

• More than 300,000 work experience placements
• More than 169,000 placements in employer-led training schemes
• Nearly 24,000 opportunities taken up by people over the age of 50
• More than 84,000 opportunities taken up by people with disabilities

These education and training schemes are providing people of all ages with the necessary skills and confidence to gain further work. Over the period covered, 42 per cent of people undertaking work experience placements were offered a position when they finished.

Liberal Democrats are committed to building a stronger economy and providing opportunity for everyone. Today’s numbers, especially following last week’s announcement of record high employment, indicate that the job is getting done.