THE Government could help to create 46,000 jobs in smaller firms if it extends the work trials programme, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

It says nearly a quarter of members believe the voluntary programme would act as a catalyst for job creation.

Work trials allow employers and employees to try a role before taking on a permanent position within the business and are currently available to people who have been on jobseeker’s allowance for at least six months.

Now the FSB is calling on the Government to make work trials available from the first day someone claims jobseeker’s allowance.

It says that although confidence has dropped among small firms, businesses do want to employ more staff but do not have the resources to do so.

The FSB believes work trials are beneficial to both businesses and job seekers, with almost half of all jobs beginning with a work trial leading to a permanent position with that business.

FSB chairman John Walker said: “Small businesses are more likely to hire people that have been in long-term unemployment .

“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.

“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.”