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£38.8m funding for work programme in Lancashire

Gina Millson
BBC Lancashire political reporter
Reporting fromPreston
BBC The Jobcentre Plus sign, with white and yellow lettering on a green background, with a window underneath reflecting the street oppositeBBC
Preston Jobcentre Plus, Ringway

Lancashire is to receive £38.8m to help get more people back into work in the county.

It is one of four areas to be given a share of £100m of government funding as part of the Connect to Work programme, with Lancashire the only place in the North West.

The scheme aims to help those who are out of work due to health conditions, disabilities or complex needs to find employment.

Minister for Employment Alison McGovern, on a visit to Preston Jobcentre Plus, said: "This latest funding will make a real difference in the lives of people across the country."

UK Parliament Official portrait of Minister for Employment and MP for Birkenhead, Alison McGovern. She has long brown hair over one shoulder, and is wearing a black suit and gold necklaceUK Parliament
Minister for Employment Alison McGovern says the funding "will make a real difference"

McGovern said: "We've set a goal for the country to get to an 80% employment rate. In Preston it's about 70% so a little bit behind.

"We want places like Lancashire to be a major part of our economic story."

As part of her visit, she also talked to job centre staff and some of those who use the service.

A picture of Julie Griffin taken against a pink backdrop, she's wearing her brown hair in a bun and is smiling.
Julie Griffin is urging others to seek help to find work

Julie Griffin, 23, from Blackpool said finding work had been challenging.

She said: "When I was not working, I would just stay at home in bed and then I'd get really anxious and frightened to the point I wouldn't go out."

After being supported by Jobcentre staff she is now working, and is urging others in a similar position to get help.

"It's all worth it in the end," she said.

Under the Connect to Work programme in the county, 11,000 participants will be supported across Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool council areas.

The government said changes to job centres would mean staff had more time to support people because they would be using better technology.

McGovern added: "Changing job centres and providing funding for towns and cities will make sure everyone is included in our economic plan."

She also said she wanted job centres to work with businesses in the county to provide good jobs.

She said: "I want the likes of BAE and others to be recruiting through the DWP and helping people who might be perhaps overlooked to really get a job and get a start.

"I know that will set Lancashire well up for the future and its economic growth."

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