European money will improve skills and increase jobs

£27 million of new European Social Fund (ESF) money will be invested in innovative projects to help people improve skills and stay in work, or develop new skills and find a new job.

Interested organisations are being called on to submit proposals to run regional projects which will develop, test and deliver new ways of extending employment opportunities and improving skills. Each project will work with at least one partner from another EU Member State.

This money is part of the Government's ongoing support to help people retrain and find work in tough global economic times. It is in addition to the £100m recently made available for skills training, particularly for those who are currently facing redundancy.

Welcoming the ESF investment, Tony McNulty, Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform said:

"At a time when we are facing global economic challenges it is essential that we make sure everyone has the right skills for the vacancies which exist and that employers are looking to fill.

"This initiative will help break down barriers that prevent people achieving their potential, and tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our society. It will boost

the support we offer to unemployed and disadvantaged people to improve their skills and return to work."

This new money will be targeted at projects helping people find jobs by:

• Helping people who may find it harder to get back into work, for example disabled people or lone parents
• Working with employers to ensure people have the right skills for the jobs available Offering training in computer skills
• Targeting help at older workers
• Training for "green jobs"
• Training and support to set up and manage not-for-profit enterprises.

Up to three projects will be supported in each English region, plus Cornwall, Merseyside and South Yorkshire. Regional ESF committees have selected which of the six themes will be available in their regions.
 

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