Published: Wednesday, 14th July, 2010 10:50am

Fund creates new jobs

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Colin Douglas with Thredgard General Manager David Haswell.

The Future Jobs Fund has exceeded expectations in Clackmannanshire, creating more than the 50 new jobs originally planned. The target was surpassed as the project drew to a close with an additional two jobs being created, bringing the total to 52.

This follows a successful bid last year by the Clackmannanshire Alliance for money from the Future Jobs Fund, run by the Department for Work and Pensions. This employment initiative aims to create 150,000 new jobs in the UK for 18-24 year olds who have been unemployed for over six months.

Clackmannanshire Works Employability, the Alliance's employment service, matched potential candidates, identified at the Job Centre, into positions. Once matched to a suitable vacancy and in work, the candidates are paid the minimum wage funded by the UK Government for six months. The jobs all have a community benefit, and the Alliance has also allocated additional funding for on-the-job training. Together with work experience, this will enhance their employability in the labour market.

Of the 52 jobs, 22 were placements within the council, with the remaining 30 new jobs in the social enterprise and small and medium sized enterprise sectors of Clackmannanshire.

Council leader Janet Cadenhead said, "This was always an ambitious project, so it is fantastic news that we have exceeded our target of 50 new jobs. Young people deserve a chance of landing a job despite the recession. This project has offered good quality jobs targeted in the areas that need them."

Stacey Craig has been employed as an admin assistant with the council. She said, "Future Jobs Fund has been a great opportunity for me. I have gained so much relevant experience and got back into the world of work."

Colin Douglas who had been employed at Alloa-based Thredgards added, "I am really grateful for the opportunity, for without it I would still be unemployed. Having a job makes me happier and more fulfilled. I love my job."