The three-year partnership will see the London borough team up with Connexions, Jobcentre Plus, the local learning and skills council and a private or voluntary sector agency, yet to be selected, to provide dedicated support to get black 16- to 25-year-olds into work.

Brian Albuquerque, regeneration manager at Wandsworth Council, said the 2001 Census showed while the borough had the 13th highest youth unemployment rate in London, it had the 6th highest unemployment rate for black young men.

The partnership will offer a job brokerage service and undertake outreach work to engage with young black men. "Connexions is not the only vehicle for connecting with black young men, there are youth groups, community groups and faith groups as well," said Albuquerque.

Young men will also be offered at least three months of in-work support to help them stay employed. The borough is tendering for a private or voluntary sector agency, which will also be charged with securing funding, to join the partnership.