SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has offered to pay youngsters on a UK Government work experience scheme amid continuing controversy over the programme.
The U-turn comes after a branch of the supermarket was invaded by protesters opposed to a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) drive that sees benefit payments put at risk if claimants fail to complete a period of unpaid work experience.
Sainsbury's, Waterstones and TK Maxx have already withdrawn from the programme, which is targeted at claimants aged between 18 and 24.
Tesco said it is now offering a "choice" to young people with the option of continuing to claim benefits while on the four-week DWP programme or be paid for the same period by the company, with a guaranteed permanent job at the end if the experience goes well.
The offer will apply to young people on the work scheme in Scotland, a spokeswoman confirmed.
Prime Minister David Cameron said the Tesco move was a welcome one but that the ultimate aim of the programme was to get people off benefits and into work.
Campaigners opposed to the programme claimed a victory following the Tesco U-turn. Ian Pattison, Youth Fight for Jobs spokesman, said: "Tesco's withdrawal should be a sign to other companies and the Government that we want real jobs not slave labour."
DWP stressed last night that the programme was voluntary but that benefits could be at risk if a claimant did not see it through to the end.
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