YOUNG people could be given a leg up into internships with the council.

Following the full council meeting last night (Thursday), it was confirmed the authority will be looking at ways to encourage its contractors to take on local school and college leavers.

After a question from Cllr Michael Lewis, deputy council leader and cabinet member for finance and resources Cllr John Macklin said: “We need to think about the employment of our younger people and we need to make sure we're doing enough to get our contractors to take them on.

“I have some concerns in the area and I think we could be doing more.”

He added that the issue was something he will now investigate.

Cllr Lewis asked: "How many school leavers, college leavers and graduates does the borough anticipate employing this summer?"

Although the council has had a recruitment freeze since 2007, it currently offers an apprenticeship scheme for 18- to 24-year-olds with an opportunity to apply for a council job at the end.

A total of 16 apprentices are on the scheme currently.

It also offers six-week college work experience placements, as well as various graduate programmes.