AS many as 90 North Yorkshire bosses are expected to turn up on Monday for a breakfast to commit themselves to the Government's New Deal to tackle youth and long-term unemployment.

The North Yorkshire Employment Service called on employers to converge on the Novotel Hotel, Fishergate, York, that morning to find out how they can become involved.

Organiser Steve Dungworth, Employment Service district manager for North Yorkshire, said: "The enthusiasm shown has been excellent. Even those who can't attend because of work commitments are positive about the New Deal and want further information. The scheme seems to have captured everyone's imagination."

The New Deal will start in North Yorkshire in April. It aims to help people aged between 18 and 24 who have been jobless for six months or more and who are receiving the Jobseekers' Allowance. It provides employment and training opportunities.

Breakfast speakers will include Mr Dungworth, plus Roland Harris, chief executive of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Scarborough MP Lawrie Quinn.

Further details about the business breakfast, which starts at 8am for 8.30am, or about the New Deal can be obtained from a special New Deal team on 01904 882116 or 882140.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.