A PROGRAMME has been launched to help the unemployed move back into positions of work.

Clackmannanshire Local Employability Partnership (LEP) has started their Positive Moves initiative which aims to offer support to anyone unemployed in the Wee County between the ages of 16 and 67.

The project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and run in partnership with Clackmannanshire Works, Clackmannanshire Council and the Clackmannanshire Economic Regeneration Trust (CERT).

Support is free and tailored to each person, covering a range of skills including IT, first aid, food hygiene, work experience, volunteering and job search guidance.

Jane Adamson, employability lead, at Clackmannanshire Council, said: “We’re delighted to launch this new service to help people into work.

“We’ve been able to shape Positive Moves into a programme tailored to the specific needs of our area.

“We’re looking forward to delivering effective, people-centred support that will make a real difference to the lives and employability of anyone using the service.”

Positive Moves will align with other local employability services and supports the Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind approach.

The approach aims to deliver employability support, primarily to those who are disadvantaged in the labour market.

A meeting was held at Alloa Town Hall to explain how the programme will be delivered over the next two years.

Ellen Forson, council leader, said: “I am delighted that Positive Moves has been launched and is ready to start helping people of all ages in Clackmannanshire into work.

“This project is all about unlocking potential of our people and applies to anyone aged 16 to 67 and not in full-time education, who is out of work.

“This could mean they’ve never worked before, are coming back to the jobs market after a break or face challenges which make finding a job difficult.

“Whatever the case may be, those taking part will be able to access comprehensive support, tailored to their own individual needs, as well as a chance to complete relevant, valuable work qualifications.

“I would strongly encourage anyone seeking work to take that step towards a brighter future by getting in touch with Positive Moves.

Visit positivemoves.scot for more info.