Bid for young jobs has its work cut out; The Journal.

IT'S difficult for the Government to unveil initiatives day after day without inducing a form of fatigue amongst those it wishes to impress most.

Yet the manner in which voters react to this apparently never ending stream of announcements is crucial to the prospects of Gordon Brown and his colleagues at the next election.

Yesterday it was the turn of younger people - a crucial demographic in any election contest - to be targeted by the Government, with the promise of work placements, apprenticeships or jobs that will all last for six months at least.

In the North East, some 3,500 positions may become available if local authorities, charities, small businesses and other co-operating organisations can use the grant aid to best effect.

Older citizens will recollect schemes in the past that were not dissimilar, although the more recent examples occurred under a Conservative regime.

The cynicism inspired then, by what was regarded not so much as a bid to cut unemployment as to reduce statistics that were deeply embarrassing, will be among the reactions that Mr Brown will be most keen to avoid.

The knack will be in ensuring the openings created by Backing Young Britain teach people something they did not know and lead to real jobs.

As challengers go, it's not a small one.