Young people back voluntary jobs scheme

Nearly seven out of 10 young people believe that there should be a national voluntary work scheme or "citizen's service", according to the homeless charity Centrepoint.

The survey coincides with the Community Service Volunteers' report on all-party parliamentary hearings in June 1995, which shows that MPs from all parties also believe the time is right to encourage up to 750,000 young people aged 18 to 24 to work in education, social services, health care and the environment.

Both reports stress that volunteers "should not be used as cheap, substitute labour".

In June 1995, the Home Secretary pledged pounds 20m over three years to help mobilise volunteer action, but rejected as too expensive existing proposals for a nationwide citizens' service.

Despite 66 per cent thinking citizens' service was a good idea, only half of those questioned by Centrepoint said that they would consider taking part. It would prove more popular, however, if it gave particpants the chance to develop new skills or enhance job prospects.