Business people are being urged to put themselves in the shoes of the unemployed and help a charity at the same time.

The Oxfordshire branch of the Fredericks Foundation is running a Trading Places initiative which is designed to challenge prominent business men and women to live on Job Seeker’s Allowance for a week.

The aim is to raise cash for the Foundation which provides small loans and mentoring for people wanting to start businesses who are unable to find financial support from traditional sources such as banks, often because they are unemployed.

Karen Matthews, business development officer at Cherwell District Council, is helping drive the initiative in north Oxfordshire and will be taking part herself.

She said: “We are looking for volunteers so they can see how difficult it is Jobseekers’ Allowance for a week and how hard it would be to start a business while on benefits.

“I will work out what I spend on food and bills in a week — I am sure it will be very difficult on Jobseekers’ Allowance.”

The current rate of Jobseekers’ Allowance is £50.95 a week for those aged 16-25 and £64.30 for those aged 25 and over.

Those taking part in Trading Places can seek sponsorship which will be donated to the Fredericks Foundation.

If they exceed their Jobseekers’ Allowance, then they will also be expected to donated the difference to the charity.

Will Barton, chairman of the Oxfordshire branch of the Fredericks Foundation which is based in Chalgrove, said: “We are keen to do it in Oxfordshire and it maybe that if it is successful, it could roll out nationwide.”

The initiative will take place in the third week of January next year. Anyone wanting to volunteer should contact Ms Matthews on 01295 221855.