JOBLESS over-50s in St Helens are getting back to work following the introduction of New Deal 50 plus earlier this year, according to figures released this week.

The government programme has already proved a big success and more than 60 people in St Helens and Wigan have moved off benefits and into work. Nationally, more than 9,700 over-50s have quit the dole queue to return to the workplace.

New Deal 50 plus is voluntary and offers a tax-free Employment Credit (paid to the individual) of £60 a week for up to 12 months (£40 a week for part-time jobs) in addition to your wages. There is also a personal advisor to give one-to-one help with job searching, help and advice for people who wish to become self-employed and an in-work training grant of up to £750.

The programme applies to anyone signing on at a Jobcentre.

It is also available for those in receipt of one or a combination of Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance for at least six months.

Employment Service district manager, Carol Orrell, said: "People over 50 make up more than 40 per cent of the UK population. They possess an abundance of valuable skills that local communities cannot afford to discard."

ANYONE wishing to know more about New Deal 50 plus can call the Freephone number on 0500 900 975, log on to the website on www.newdeal.gov.uk or call in their local Jobcentre.