Government has cut the number of positions on its summer employment programme, it emerged today.

In Senate this morning, Government Senate leader David Burch said 632 College and High School students applied for positions by last December’s deadline, but only 373 positions were available.

Sen. Burch said: “It should come as no surprise to anyone that due to the economic downturn, there are fewer jobs in both Government and the private sector and limited funding this year.

“As a result, the Department of Labour and Training has had to employ fewer college students and even fewer high school students.

“Clearly there will be some disappointment as the funds do not exist to employ every student who wishes to work this summer, but I encourage students to gain valuable voluntary work experience that will hold them in good stead when they join the work force.”

Even with the cut in positions, Sen. Burch said the programme was well beyond its expected budget, and will be completely reviewed in the future.

The full extent of the cuts was not revealed.

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