AROUND 50 new jobs are to be created in the care industry thanks to a multi-million pound contract between a care company and Lancashire County Council.

Family-run Townfield Care has signed a £6million contract over four years which will increase its hours of care to 135,000 a year throughout Lancashire.

The company, based in Great Harwood, is also moving towards a living wage for employees with the new contract providing a guarantee of working hours.

It is working closely with Accrington and Rossendale College to offer work placements to healthcare support students.

John Timmins, director of Townfield Care, said: “We are committed to improving the contracts of our home care support workers.

“We want to give our staff job security and in turn this means keeping our standard of care high.

“Our aim is to improve quality of life through our services, creating personalised care plans that take into account the needs of the individual.”

Mr Timmins said the company has 35 years’ experience in the industry and hopes to make a real difference in the community through providing new job opportunities and maintaining a high quality of service.

Townfield Care specialise in residential care, home care and dementia care whilst also recently opening a mobility shop in Hyndburn.

Job positions are available in the Rossendale, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley areas.

Charlotte Scheffmann, assistant principal of Accrington and Rossendale College, said the college’s apprenticeship route means employees can gain qualifications and study while earning a wage and gaining experience.

She said: “We are delighted to be working with John and his team at Townfield Care.

“It has opened doors for so many of our students.

“Our newer students can gain real work experience, whilst our more established are able to get jobs that fit around study.

“The apprenticeship roles are also really exciting as it means the students will be learning with some of the best in the industry.”

Lancashire County Council recently announced it was investing £6.6million in improving its care homes including modernising buildings and improving safety systems.

For more information on the job opportunities, or to submit an application contact Anne Child, Registered Manager on 01254 882050 or email anne@townfieldhouse.co.uk