A charter that aims to make a difference to the quality of life of younger workers has got the backing of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust.

Rosie Cooper, MP for West Lancashire, joined Chief Executive Silas Nicholls, Trust Chair Neil Masom, Staff Side Lead John Flannery and members of Unison to sign the public sector union’s Respect Your Youth Charter.

The five-point charter asks for:  the implementation of the Real Living Wage irrespective of age; quality apprenticeships; fair employment; workplace equality; and increased training opportunities.

Unison is lobbying all employers to sign the charter because it argues young people’s prospects are deteriorating.

Ms Cooper said: “The charter highlights the fact that young workers are disproportionately hit by the UK government’s austerity policies and says a combination of increased university tuition fees, unemployment, poorer job opportunities, lower pay and rapid house price inflation is deteriorating young people’s prospects.

“I’m delighted to work with the chief executive and staff at Southport and Ormskirk hospital together with Unison to support our younger workers.”

The Trust employs nearly 3,000 people, mostly at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, including more than 100 apprentices.