Sir: A debate has been raging over the summer about how prepared young people are for work when they leave school. Last week’s youth unemployment figures signal a need to sweep aside prejudices and have faith in their potential.

The food and grocery industry is often the first taste of employment young people get. We employ them at every level, from those with very few qualifications to Master’s graduates. Last week’s youth unemployment figures signal a need to sweep aside prejudices and have faith in their potential.

For the economy to recover, we need all the talent we can get, so this month IGD is putting on Feeding Britain’s Future, our response to the chronic unemployment crisis facing this country’s youth. We’re opening our doors to the young unemployed people this month. For the entire month 180 companies are helping thousands of young unemployed learn the skills they need to get work. From farmers to manufacturers to supermarkets, the industry feels a responsibility to play its part.

So IGD is putting on Feeding Britain’s Future, our response to the chronic unemployment crisis facing this country’s youth. Last year more than 10,000 places were put up for people to learn the basics - how to apply for a job, conduct an interview or sell yourself in a CV. Some of those who took part have found permanent jobs as a result. This year there are 15,000 training opportunities at 1,200 locations in the UK.

Now is not the time to write off future generations. Now is the time to invest in them and help get them ready for work.

Fiona Dawson, president of IGD and president, Mars Chocolate UK,

Andy Clarke, chief executive, Asda,

Joanne Denney-Finch OBE, chief executive, IGD