Marks and Spencer is to launch a scheme to find work for homeless and disadvantaged people.

The scheme, called Marks and Start, will provide homeless people, disadvantaged school children and hard-up students with unpaid work experience.

Chairman Luc Vandevelde admitted the scheme is likely to cost millions but hopes the firm's reputation as an ethical employer will make it more profitable.

There will be places for 2,000 pupils, 200 parents returning to work, 200 homeless people, 100 disabled people and 100 young unemployed people.

Students that have no tradition of education in their family will also be eligible for the scheme.