YOUNG Worcester job seekers are not being given a fair deal, according to the father of a teenager who has been offered only short-term contracts.

Philip Price says his daughter Jodie has had four jobs since leaving college in March 1999.

"It's a joke," said Mr Price, of Skinner Street, St John's. "They say there's full-time jobs but the kids aren't getting a fair crack of the whip.

"When I came out of school I had one summer job before starting an apprenticeship. Kids don't have the same opportunities these days."

He says that his daughter, who has a Business Administration NVQ2 qualification, has not been given the opportunities she deserves.

Jodie, who is now 19, has worked at Long Lartin Prison, Tramps nightclub, the Three Counties Showground and in a Bromyard shop, all on short-term contracts.

Recently she was offered an interview by a city firm, only to be informed on the day that the position had already been filled.

"I'd like a little bit of fair play," said Mr Price.

"We rang up and demanded an apology and they said we could expect one - but we're still waiting."

Jodie has now found work with a local car dealership on a long-term contract.

"It's been very frustrating - I haven't known if I was coming or going," she said.

"I've got a full-time job now, but it's taken a long time.

"I think companies should be investing in the future. They're not getting younger people in."

Miss Price said some of her friends from Christopher Whitehead School were still struggling to find jobs, despite leaving, aged 16, in 1997.

"Companies say 'you've got no experience', but if you can't get a job how can you get experience," added her father.