A PLEA for a round-table conference to help tackle youth unemployment in the county has not been taken up by Dorset Council.

Ferndown South councillor Hannah Hobbs-Chell (Ind) asked the July Cabinet meeting that with youth unemployment increasing could the council arrange a round table discussion with business leaders and others to discuss opportunities which might help.

She said that even those who had taken all the steps they could, including volunteering, were finding it difficult to even get an interview.

Cllr Richard Biggs (right)

Dorchester councillor Richard Biggs, whose portfolio includes economic growth, said that supporting young people would remain a priority for the council.

He said the authority already had what he described as "A strong approach" through a Skills Improvement Plan with BCP, employers, workforce development partners and others who worked in the area.

Said Cllr Biggs: "Our priority should be the successful delivery of that plan rather than producing additional strategies."

He told the meeting that there could also be benefits for Dorset should devolution of powers from Government to the area be agreed.

"We will commit to supporting young people into employment – it's also important for county's future prosperity," he said.