Employers have pledged to help young people make the most of 101 jobs, 36 apprenticeships and 78 work experience placements as part of the Norwich for Jobs campaign.

In their first official update, one month after the launch of the initiative, the Norwich Foundation for Jobs has revealed the extent of the support flooding in from businesses and organisations across the city.

In total, 20 employers have pledged their support for the campaign ranging from Marks & Spencer, Specsavers and McDonalds to Tribe PR, Norwich Laundry Service and May Gurney, with more than 20 others also in discussions with the NFJ team.

Norwich For Jobs aims to halve the number of 18 to 24-year-olds in Norwich claiming jobseekers' allowance by the end of 2014.

Many organisations, including Virgin Wines, Serco, and the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, have been able to pledge specific opportunities that they have available.

While job seekers of all ages will be given an equal chance to make the most of those opportunities, the employers' commitment to the campaign will allow the Jobcentre Plus in Norwich to encourage young people to apply.

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North who leads a steering group of five key figures on the campaign, said the number of opportunities pledged were 'fantastic'.

She added: 'We are delighted by the reaction to the launch of the Norwich for Jobs campaign. Inquiries by potential employers and those willing to offer work placements have exceeded our expectations.

'We've made good progress in our first month in engaging with employers, partners and young people and wish to continue this success in subsequent months.'

Among the campaign supporters is Norwich-based Tribe PR.

It is aiming to offer a four-to-six-week work experience placement and also plans to recruit a new trainee later this year.