Letter: Too young

YOU say "all 16 to 24-year-olds who have been unemployed for more than six months are called into interview and given four options..." ("Jobless told: join Army or lose benefit", 10 May). This is incorrect: 16 to 17- year-olds cannot claim benefits, except under exceptional circumstances, and do not have access to the opportunities under New Deal. The only way for 16-17-year-olds to access training is through the Youth Credits Scheme, which still in many areas - including central London - pays the paltry allowance of pounds 30- pounds 35 a week for 16 to 17-year- olds.

Clare Darwin

London N4