BUSINESSES are wanted to help give job hunters brighter employment futures through a new work experience programme.

Hyndburn and Haslingden MP Graham Jones has teamed up with Accrington’s Jobcentre Plus to offer four to eight-week job placement schemes in a bid to combat high unemployment rates in his constituency.

He has urged every business in the area to come forward to give as many opportunities to out-of-work residents as possible to help bring the plan to fruition.

Mr Jones has been campaigning to reduce joblessness in Hyndburn where long-term unemployment figures rose 107 per cent, from 70 to 145, earlier this year.

He wants to offer jobseekers fixed-term placements with local employers in a wide variety of industries that appeal to their different interests.

He hopes that once enough employers have signed up they will be able to consider helping those who may find it difficult to enrol on a placement with childcare, travel and accommodation costs.

Mr Jones said: “The Jobcentre Plus team and I have created this great partnership to offer crucial work experience to people who would greatly benefit from it.

“There is a lack of opportunities of this kind for people in the area so we think it will greatly improve their skillsets and their CVs and hopefully increase their chances of finding a job.

“It is unlike workfare schemes because these placements will be entirely voluntary and will give people a much wider choice.

“We need as many employers as possible to sign up as soon as possible so that we can get the scheme rolling.

“It won’t cost them anything but at the same time they will be doing their bit for their community.”

Employers interested in signing up to the scheme should call Mr Jones’ assistant Ciaran Wells on 01254 382283.

Alternatively, send an email to ciaran.wells@ parliament.uk.