A NEW scheme is to give former servicemen and women a better chance of getting a job after leaving the armed forces.

Lancashire County Council has signed up to the Ministry of Defence’s service personnel and veterans’ agency to provide skills and on-the-job training.

The scheme, WorkStart4Armed Forces, includes 30-day placements, which could be at the council, for those on Jobseekers’ Allowance, Employment Support Allowance or Income Support for Lone Parents.

Deputy council leader Albert Atkinson said: “WorkStart has been very successful. So far we’ve helped 259 people gain vital work experience in the past three years.

“Many people who have had to leave the services are looking for employment and we hope this scheme will see them on the right path.”