The prime minister David Cameron once famously entreated the British public to 'hug a hoodie'.

Now employment minister, Chris Grayling, has suggested that hoodies should be offered not just love but jobs as well, urging employers to look beyond more experienced and better presented Eastern European candidates, and prioritise instead local youths... which is undoubtably an admirable idea, although most businesses will only be tempted if they believe British youngsters are equipped with the right skills.