Work support for Pendle unemployed (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Work support for Pendle unemployed

1:00pm Friday 10th July 2009 in

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A SCHEME to reduce the number of Pendle residents who are not in work is set to be unveiled.

The initiative is being launched after figures revealed that 18.2 per cent of people are unemployed and claiming benefits.

And in the Southfield ares of Nelson, 41 per cent of 16- to 59-year-olds claim benefits.

Pendle Borough Council hopes its employment strategy scheme will tackle these issues by developing strong partnerships with local organisations and working with employers to identify and fulfil their needs.

In addition, the local authority is increasing the number of adults in work by providing high quality support, linking new employment developments with workless people and actively promoting skills and workforce development in local companies.

Pendle council leader Coun John David said: “For most people, work is the sole means of access to income and wealth. And lack of work is linked to poverty for many individuals and households.

“Those out of work and poverty are highly concentrated in some of our local neighbourhoods, which is why we need to try to do everything that we can to help and support them.”