The UK's Federation of Small Businesses has called for the extension of the Work Trial programme, following indications in a recent FSB survey that such a move would incentivise small businesses to take on more people.

According to the results of the Federation's recent 'Voice of Small Business' poll, 23% of the firms questioned felt that the government needs to take more action to help the long-term unemployed back into the workplace, and that an extension of the voluntary initiative, which is currently available to those in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) for more than six months, and allows employers and employees to try a role before taking on a permanent position within the business, would be a step in the right direction.

Following on from the survey findings, the FSB has suggested that work trials should be available from the first day that JSA is claimed.

John Walker, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, explained that:

"Small businesses are more likely to hire people that have been in long-term unemployment, and Work Trials are a good way to get people back into work and learning skills, and for small businesses to move forward with taking on staff and growing. Small firms are willing to play their part in tackling unemployment but lack confidence in their business prospects, the economy and don't have the resources to do so."

He concluded:

"Extending Work Trials could help to create an extra 46,000 much-needed jobs and help people get back into work at such a difficult time, so the FSB is urging the Government to extend this very straightforward scheme from the first day someone signs on. The Government simply must do more if it wants the private sector to pick up the slack from public sector cuts. This would be a good start in helping to tackle unemployment."