The first stages in the New Deal training and recruitment programme Ambition: Retail have been announced by the Department for Work and Pensions. Nick Brown, Minister for Work, confirmed the areas to pilot thprogramme: Bristol, Cardiff, Gateshead, Glasgow and Redditch.

Mr Brown said: "Retail means big business for the Government and the Department. It is the largest private sector in the UK, employing 11% of the workforce. Nearly a third of those people leaving the New Deal have gone into jobs in the retail sector. We know it is a vital part of the British economy and we know that it can offer people on the New Deal a rewarding career. I am pleased to be able to announce the five pilot projects today, which will help move 1,000 unemployed people into jobs within the retail sector. Bringing together the expertise and resources of the retail industry with the help and support available in the New Deal will make a real difference to peoples lives."

"This programme will give participants the opportunity to find long-term employment that offers very real career progression. Equally, it gives the retail industry access to the great potential that New Deal jobseekers bring to the workplace."

The bespoke programme will identify and develop the potential of New Dealers and help them find a career in retail and progress to supervisory and managerial roles. Ambition: Retail has been designed by the National Employment Panel in conjunction with the British Retail Consortium (BRC). It has wide support across the industry with names such as Dixons, IKEA, Tesco and Marks and Spencer helping with the development of the programme.

BRC Director General, Bill Moyes added: "The British Retail Consortium welcomes this important initiative. Retail is labour intensive, our staff are our most important asset, and Ambition Retail will help us recruit high quality staff across the UK. The BRC and retailers have played a leading role in developing this concept with Ministers, the National Employment Panel and the Employment Service. I believe the first Ambition Retail "graduates" will offer an immediate and positive contribution to the work we do."