Londoners will be first in line for the jobs created by the Olympics and Crossrail project, ministers pledged today.

In a key speech, Cabinet minister John Denham promised rules to ensure "London jobs went to London people".

The Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills said firms competing for contracts on major London construction projects would have to sign a pledge to train and employ local people. He said he wanted projects such as the Olympics and Thames Gateway to "boost job prospects for London's residents in a lasting way".

"Major investment is now under way to improve London's infrastructure. Billions in public money will be spent on Crossrail, on the Olympics and the development of the Thames Gateway.

"Thousands of jobs will be created as a result - each one a chance for Londoners to get ahead," Mr Denham told a conference on London's economy organised by the Mayor's office.

Mr Denham said the Government was looking to reform the procurement rules to ensure firms bidding for public money had to agree to provide apprenticeships or skills training to the longterm unemployed or Neets - those not in education, employment or training - as a condition of contracts.

The Olympics is set to create nearly 30,000 jobs, while Crossrail will create another 14,000.

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