The Future Jobs Fund launches in Barnsley as 180 long-term unemployed return to work

From the Barnsley Chronicle, October 9, 2009: ABOUT 180 of Barnsley's long term unemployed turned up to work on Monday as the Future Jobs Fund came into action. Former drug user Joanne Robinson, 28, of Kelsey Terrace, has not worked for six years but is now working as an engagement support worker for the council. She said: "I'm absolutely over the moon. I've been clean for four years now. I've turned my life around and I'm motivated myself to get back into work. "It's just been very hard to find a job. You always get tarred with the same brush if you're an ex-offender, or an ex-drug user. That's why this fund is so good for people like me."I'm going to try and get my foot back on the ladder and get myself back to work. It is a bit daunting, going back after so long. "I hope to come out with some more qualifications and experience behind me and then hopefully find some permanent work the end of it. "They always say it's easier to find a job once you're in a job and unfortunately that's true."The scheme will create 600 jobs in Barnsley over the next two years. Salaries, all about £12,000 a year, will be paid for roughly half by the government and half by their employers, which include the council, Berneslai Homes, NHS Barnsley, Barnsley Hospital, the Fire Service, Barnsley Community Build and Job Centre Plus. Bret Bowman, 36, of Goldthorpe, spent some time abroad and since coming back to the country has been out of work. He is going to be working for the council and towards the end of his contract he will start applying for other jobs in the council. He said: "I believe it will be easier to find jobs once you're in. I'm hoping to get new skills and qualifications, NVQs for example, and better myself and use this as a lunch pad for a new career. I'm absolutely over the moon for this. Darrell Taylor, 39, of Pleasant View, Great Houghton, has taken on a groundwork support job. He said: "Over the years, since leaving school, I've never really known what I wanted to do. But I've always gone to outdoor work - I've always wanted to do practical work. "I'm nearly 40 and I suppose this could be one of my last chances to get some full-time work." Barnsley is the first town to benefit from the national scheme to create jobs. It was inspired by a report written by council leader Steve Houghton. Andy Arnold project manager, said: "It is absolutely fantastic to see 180 smiling faces, coming back to work with their heads held high. "Some have been out of work for months, some have never worked. First day was a 9.30 start and we had people here at 8.15. That just inspires you."

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News & Politics

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• Barnsley
• Barnsley Chronicle
• jobs
• employment
• unemployment
• future jobs
• Steve Houghton
• drug user.

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