28/07/04 - A £60,000 project to help people living in areas of Darlington with high levels of unemployment find work, has been launched. The Central Into Work scheme which is aimed at unemployed residents in the Central, North Road, Northgate and Bank Top wards is a free service run by Darlington Council and funded by Jobcentre Plus and the European Social Fund.
An employment link worker has been appointed to work on a one-to-one basis with individuals who are looking for work. The officer will help with job searching, completing job applications and CVs and with preparing people for interviews. There will also be an 'Into Work' grant to provide financial assistance towards training fees, childcare and travel costs. People using the scheme will also be entitled to a £100 Back to Work Bonus when they find a job.
The project will operate from offices within the wards and at Darlington Central library on Tuesday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm and Thursday mornings from 10am to 12noon. The employment link worker will also be at First Stop in Tubwell Row from 10am to 12noon on Wednesdays.
David Lyonette, Darlington Council's Cabinet said "This is great news for Darlington, Central, North Road, Northgate and Bank Top have some of the highest unemployment rates in Darlington. This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to receive the assistance they need to help them find employment."
For more information about the scheme please contact Kay Mellanby on 07967 178026.