It can be extremely difficult for young people to find a job when they have finished school or college or university.

We have all read the stories about individuals sending off hundreds of CVs and applications, and never even hearing back.

This is so demoralising and demotivating and is not the start to working life that we want for the next generation.

We don’t want people feeling like they are left on the shelf at such a young age and becoming just another number on the NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) statistics.

placeholder image — Bolsover MP Natalie Fleet

This is not good for them, and it is not good for the economy.

That is why a new scheme just announced by the Government, which will create 100,000 new jobs in bars, restaurants and other hospitality venues, is so welcome.

It is the result of a new partnership with trade body, UK Hospitality, which has already seen some of Britain's leading hospitality businesses sign up including McDonald’s, Nando's Whitbread and Wagamama.

These big employers will provide paid employment as well as work experience and training opportunities for 18 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, work or training.

The Government has announced plans to tackle the UK's growing NEET problem (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

The idea behind the scheme is to give young people a kick-start to their career, help them build confidence and give them valuable experience of the working world.

Learning how to pull a pint, wait tables or get cooking in the kitchen may lead to a lifelong career in hospitality for some, while for others it will be a chance to discover what they want to do in life, build their CVs and develop the experience to take their next step.

Some participants will be recruited directly into paid roles: others will gain work experience, with a guaranteed interview and prospects of a paid job at the end of the programme.

The announcement builds on a similar one made last month which will see 100,000 jobs created in the retail sector, which was developed with the support of former M&S chief executive Marc Bolland.

There are around a million NEETS in the country, and these initiatives are vital to help the nearly six in 10 of them who have never had a job, and who often feel that they just have not been given the break they need to get a foot on the ladder.

It is another example of how this government is strengthening routes into work in order to reduce the welfare bill by tackling youth unemployment, backed by £2.5 billion investment in the Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy.

As a mum to young adults, I have seen first-hand how challenging it can be for young people to get that first job, and I am delighted that this new partnership will create opportunities for young people across Bolsover and beyond.

If you or someone you know may be eligible, the best next step is to speak to a Jobcentre work coach about whether Youth Guarantee opportunities.