A BRAND new hi-tech scheme aimed at helping unemployed people in Burnley back to work has been launched by the council.

The Reflex database is accessible from the council's website and has been designed to offer a bank of information about services and support for those looking for work.

Jobseekers can access the database which contains more than 6,000 items of information on training, voluntary work and other forms of support.

It also highlights help for job seekers with particular needs, for example a disability, childcare needs or drug and alcohol problems.

In the last two years Burnley has suffered heavy job losses in manufacturing. When Michelin announced the closure of their plant in Widow Hill Road with the loss of 452 jobs, it was described as "a hammer blow" for the town.

There have also been job cuts at the Rolls Royce plant, Barnoldswick, Victor Achter's textile mill and the Reality call centre, Burnley, as well as Pendle Aeroform.

At 2.9 per cent, unemployment in Burnley is lower than the national average, but the figure masks high rates of unemployment in certain areas of the town. In the Bank Hall ward unemployment stands at 8.3 per cent, in Daneshouse 5.6 per cent and Coal Clough 4.7 per cent.

The national average weekly wage is £464.75, but Burnley's average is £366.99.

The Task Force report into the causes of Burnley's riots recommended that more should be done to tackle unemployment in the town's most deprived areas.

Frank McNamara, employment development co-ordinator at Burnley Borough Council, who developed the Reflex scheme, said: "This is a very simple database that will enhance information in a crucial area of economic development, helping the less well off get back to work. It should also help tell us where there is a demand for help and gaps in provision."

Sue Cooper, area co-ordinator at Burnley Wood's One Stop Shop, said: "This is a super tool. It means a much better service for local people as for the first time they will have a complete picture of what's available to them."

The Reflex database can be accessed via www.burnley.gov.uk and using the link to the What's New page.

A conference entitled Burnley into Work will be held at Turf Moor tomorrow aimed at bringing together various agencies helping jobseekers.