OLDHAM Council has been awarded more than £722,000 to help and support unemployed residents get back into work.

Over the next two years its Get Oldham Working team will be delivering the Skills Support for Unemployed (SSU) programme – equipping people with the essential knowledge and skills they’ll need to re-enter the workplace.

Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, cabinet member for employment and skills, said: “We’re pleased to have been chosen to deliver the Skills Support for Unemployed programme and our Get Oldham Working Team have done a good job in bidding for and securing the funding.

“This programme will have a positive impact on the individuals who sign up as we’ll be looking to make sure they have the skills to fill any roles that come up, which will also help boost the local economy.

“We’ll be providing access to a full range of skills support, work experience, and also help about breaking down any barriers that are stopping them getting back into work.

“Over the last five years our Get Oldham Working Team has helped create more than 9,200 work related opportunities for residents thanks to our links with employers and this funding will help us continue that work.”

SSU is open to unemployed residents over the age of 19 and looks at how they can be helped via different routes - employment, further education, and apprenticeships.

The programme fits with the Greater Manchester-wide challenge to provide good jobs, with opportunities for people to progress and develop.

The SSU funding has been awarded by the Education & Skills Funding Agency.

Total funding of £9,920,400 has been made available to support Greater Manchester residents between April 2019 and July 2021.

The programme is financed by the European Social Fund.

To learn more about the SSU, or how to get involved, contact employability@oldham.gov.uk or call 0161 770 4674.

Alternatively people can call into Metropolitan Place, Hobson Street, Oldham OL1 1TT (across the road from the JobCentre Plus) between 9am and 4pm weekdays.