The economic development minister has not wholly ruled out national insurance breaks for firms employing school leavers.

But John Shimmin told the House of Keys there had been a poor take-up for a similar scheme in the United Kingdom, and he would rather other avenues were explored first.

Mr Shimmin said such a scheme could discriminate against other jobseekers (listen to audio file below):

The idea of NI breaks was suggested by South Douglas MHK Kate Beecroft in a question for Mr Shimmin.

He said a report on how to help the Island's NEETs ('Not in Education, Training or Employment) was due next month.