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The government may consider introducing a licence to practice for youth workers.

Children's minister Maria Eagle told a conference in London on the youth sector workforce that a licensing system similar to that for social workers and teachers "should perhaps be looked at".

Her comments last week followed concerns among delegates that the need to address the shortage of 4,000 staff in youth services could lead to undesirable people entering the workforce.

Eagle added that the government had no plans to introduce bursaries for students undertaking qualifications in youth work, such as those offered to social work students.

But National Youth Agency chief executive Tom Wylie said campaigners needed to push harder for more financial support.

"Sometimes there needs to be a little more noise in the streets before government listens," he said.