Teenagers in the UK are confident that they will find jobs and reject the idea of accepting state benefits, according to a new poll.

The survey, undertaken on behalf of the British government, discovered that 90 percent of 15 to 19-year olds polled feel they will have no problem when it comes to searching for employment.

A further 70 percent said that they think those who are unemployed should do all they can to get back to work, reported the BBC.

However, it showed a contrast between the mind frames of different age groups, as over one-third of older respondents said they thought teenagers do the minimum of work required to survive.

"Young people can bring the fresh thinking and enthusiasm to a business that can really help it thrive," said Tim Campbell, an entrepreneur who set up the Bright Ideas Trust for prospective tycoons.

A European minister this week called for more encouragement for young people to embark upon careers in the engineering sector.