A NEW scheme is being created to support people who are new to work or returning to work after a long period of unemployment.

Wiltshire Council is one of a number of local authorities and agencies to gain funding under the European Union’s Channel Programme to help employees stay in their work.

Called Project Impress, the initiative will be delivered in parts of southern England and northern France. In Wiltshire the project will also be supported by the council’s own Action for Wiltshire programme.

Statistics show people who start a job after being unemployed for six months or more, are new to the workforce or have opted to become self-employed, can often need extra support to see them through the dramatic lifestyle changes and demands working can provide.

The £575,000 project will provide post-employment support and skills development for individuals in Wiltshire aged 16 and over in these situations.

Typical support will include negotiating with employers, physical adaptations, using public transport, setting up childcare, budget management and help with coping both emotionally and socially.

Help will be available with selfdevelopment and career development.

Through the project, eligible employers, including the newly self-employed, will also have free access to specialist employment skills and provision to encourage good employment practice.

The newly self-employed will be supported by the Wiltshire Business Support Service, which is funded by Wiltshire Council and delivered by the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce. The service provides advice and networking resource for anyone starting or running a small business.

Leader of the council and chairman of Action for Wiltshire Jane Scott said: “This is an excellent initiative, which I am proud to support.

Boosting the local economy is a key priority for the council and we are keen to support businesses and individuals to help keep unemployment rates low in the county and to take action that will help Wiltshire to have a buoyant economy.”