Simon Clarke MP has given a warm welcome to the 'Routes to Work' initiative launched today by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, led by Mayor Ben Houchen.
This three-year programme, with £6 million of funding from the Government, aims to help over 2,500 individuals in the Tees Valley escape long-term unemployment and other complex issues.
The teams who carry this out will work alongside other local services to offer support for individuals, in encouraging employers to offer opportunities, a 'flexible fund' to support specific needs, as well as in-work support to help both the individual and the employer throughout the first year of employment.
With 2.9 million more people in work than seven years ago, Britain has created more jobs than the rest of the EU combined - but it's vital we give every support to people who are still desperate for a chance. The Mayor has done brilliantly to secure this funding and we hope it will make a real difference to those in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland who are looking for work; let's keep on bringing unemployment to record lows.