A JOBS lifeline has been thrown to a group of Glasgow teenagers.

The young people couldn't find work or get on to a training programme because of the tough economic conditions facing city businesses.

A total of 30 16 to 18-year-olds from the East End have been helped following the launch of the Clyde Gateway Youth Jobs Fund less than a year ago with regeneration chiefs and the city council providing joint funding.

Firms were offered wage subsidies over 50 weeks in return for a full-time job opportunity with training and personal development programmes for selected teenagers.

Many of the participants were singled out because of their personal circumstances, such as health or medical problems.

Some lacked confidence, had no formal qualifications or were experiencing family issues which had become a barrier in their search for work.

Project manager Niki Spence at Clyde Gateway said: "All across Europe the current economic climate is making it increasingly difficult for many to get started in work and providing a little bit of help to employers can often make the difference in them wanting to take on a willing youngster.

"The Clyde Gateway Youth Job Fund made this difference and we are delighted that 30 of our young local residents now find themselves much better off than they were when they signed up for the programme."

He added: "We have to ensure that the local people benefit in social and economic terms and there is no better way of doing this than providing them with full-time work.

"The youth jobs fund has delivered for us over the past year and we will continue to develop and implement new ideas to maintain the momentum."