Pictured: Michael Ward

Government needs to be more creative to encourage businesses to take on apprentices which will be a timely intervention to reduce the region's unemployment which has risen by 10,000 to 234,000 say West Midlands business leaders.

Michael Ward, president of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, said the Government must look at making it easier for SMEs to take on 16 to 24 year olds by introducing more tax breaks and giving golden handshakes. He said: "Businesses also need to be convinced of the benefits of taking on apprentices who will usually work harder and stay longer.

"Unemployment is likely to be long-lasting and youth unemployment which represents 50 per cent of today's unemployment figures needs addressing. 

"Job Seekers Allowance claimant levels in the West Midlands are one per cent above the national average and for every vacancy on their books, there are 7.1 applicants.

"The Government needs to make it easier for companies to employ apprentices who will play a critical role in tackling unemployment." 

Mike Ashton, spokesman for West Midlands Chamber of Commerce, said: "In the West Midlands the IT sector is the fastest growing, with BT's £2.5 billion roll-out of super-fast broadband. This is the sector which should receive more encouragement to invest in apprenticeships for 16 to 24 year olds."