Image Text:

DREAM TEAM: The Chelsea footballer and his business partner Jay-Z hope their new restaurant will help young people find work

RAPPER Jay-Z and Ashley Cole will give first priority to unemployed young people when hiring staff at their restaurant opening next year.

In a charitable gesture, which mirrors Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Foundation, the pair aim to give disadvantaged youths a chance to earn an honest wage and gain invaluable business experience.

The total number of unemployed adults in the UK aged under 25 is currently 951,000, the highest level since 1992.

Youth unemployment amongst 16 to 17-year-olds has risen to 204,000.

The 40/40 Club will be the first of several ventures between the musician and the Chelsea footballer.

A percentage of all profits from the project will go to local charities for projects in deprived communities.

Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, said: "London is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world and the perfect location for our new venue.

"I'm excited about working with Ashley. The 40/40 London is going to be the hottest place in town."

Not a stranger to giving back, in 2006 the multi-millionaire rapper used his world tour to raise awareness and combat a global water shortage after meeting with then UN secretary General Kofi Annan.

He later pledged one million US dollars to the American Red Cross' relief effort in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.