Plan to help unemployed teenagers in Essex

Unemployed teenagers in an area of Essex with the highest number of young people out of work are to get council help.

Sixteen to 18-year-olds in Basildon, Billericay and Wickford could get free train travel to interviews and the chance to retake exams quickly.

Basildon Council's cabinet agreed on an action plan to help the 550 people who are not in work or education.

It also wants local businesses to offer apprenticeships.

The teenagers who are being targeted are not in education, employment or training (NEETs).

Sylvia Buckley, chairman of the council's overview and scrutiny commission, which put forward the recommendations, said it wanted to address a growing problem.

A meeting between all partners and relevant agencies will identify joint funding and project opportunities, the council added.