IN RESPONSE to Liz Hodge’s letter (February 26) regarding Government proposals to force young people to work for benefits, I too have mixed views.

Volunteering is a great way to develop skills and experience but I don’t think people should be forced into it. The £20million figure bandied about should be given to the Prince’s Trust charity which already supports 16 to 25-year-olds.

in getting back into work.

Doing the Trust 12-week team programme at St Helens College when I was 16 turned my life around. It inspired me to go to college, university and law school and got me into work.

Michael Egan The Shires, St Helens