Meanwhile, the jury is still out on whether the company's foray into more upscale goods, a move aimed at retaining customers who have begun to climb the economic ladder, will work.

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That means low-level work experience at whatever price which is often the critical first rung up the work-force ladder.

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Mr Milburn's report highlighted work placements as a new rung on the career ladder that makes life hard for people who cannot afford to work for peanuts.

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