The Government’s decision to close a job fund could leave young people struggling to find work.

That’s the warning from Bradford Works, a partnership led by employment company Aspire-I, Shipley College and social landlord Incommunities.

It said the Future Jobs Fund provided hundreds of young people in the district with the chance to get into employment since it was introduced by Labour in 2009.

A total 848 people have been helped into work through the fund in Bradford, a figure which could rise to 1,250 by the end of March, which is when the scheme is due to end.

Glen Duckett, Bradford Works project manager at Aspire-I, which manages the Future Jobs Fund contract in Bradford, said: “Future Jobs provided that extra stepping stone – it gives them a six-month contract with 25 hours a week working and it provides packages of support around that, in terms of helping them get ready to progress to a permanent or the next stage of a job.

“I’m certainly very worried about what will happen for young people, particularly in that age range of 16 to 25-year-olds.”

Mr Duckett said he did not believe plans to introduce the new single Work Programme would cover for the loss of the Future Jobs Fund.

Bradford Works employee Phillip Beetham has been able to turn his life around since joining the Future Jobs Fund in September.

Mr Beetham, 24, of Windhill, Shipley, was made redundant in 2009 and had a spell in prison for stealing a car. He said since starting on the Future Jobs Fund he has been able to complete a NVQ Level 2 while doing horticultural work.

Mr Beetham has been one of a group of people based at Shipley College completing paid horticultural work, including carrying out duties at Roberts Park, Saltaire.

He said: “It’s basically opened a new door for me. I’m happy with everything I have done on it.”

A DWP spokesman said: “The Future Jobs Fund is expensive and the Government believes that its increased apprenticeships programme is a much better way of getting young people into sustainable employment.”