Extra cash for jobless course

From the Worcester News, first published Wednesday 6th Jun 2007.

A COMPANY which gave free makeovers to jobless parents has managed to secure about £50,000 for a new course for the two counties.

The Progressions Course takes over from the controversial Big Brother project which ended earlier this year.

The courses are design-ed to encourage people back into work by giving them training and confidence boosting haircuts.

The first project, run by the York based company Inspire2Independence Ltd, funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and Jobcentre Plus, came under fire in March by Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Philip Hammon who questioned if public money should be spent in this way.

The new initiative is believed to have received £50,000 from Jobcentre Plus.

However, the Depart-ment for Work and Pensions (DWP) has declined to reveal the exact amount.

Project manager Graham King from I2I defended the course, aimed at people on Income Support. He said: "As well as building confidence we will also take the clients to have a day's pampering at a hair salon to add to that feel-good factor. We will be judged on the number of people we will get into work."

People attending the course will have one week training in interview, CV and jobsearch skills followed by three days over three weeks to meet up again with an employment specialist.

A spokesperson for the DWP said the government was committed to helping lone parents who want to find a job to support themselves. The sessions will be held on Monday, June 25, at Hereford Belmont Community Centre and Monday, July 9, at Worcester's Fairfield Community Centre.

Anyone wishing to take part should contact their jobcentre lone parent adviser.

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