A PROJECT to help people into employment is worth the cost, councillors said.
The Step by Step project, running in the Golcar ward, was set up to offer training and advice to job seekers.
The Colne Valley Area Committee provided funding of £1,475 towards the overall cost of £4,636.
Councillors and residents at last week’s meeting heard the project had helped three people into jobs, four into training and two into volunteering.
More people are being given advice on writing a CV and help to access suitable training.
Frances Wardley, Area and Neighbourhood Action Co-ordinator for Kirklees Council, said the project was helping reduce the cost of people living on benefits.
She said: “In the last six months it has cost £257 per head for those who have secured jobs, training or voluntary places as a result of the project.”
That compared to £1,462 for a young person on the most basic form of Jobseekers Allowances for six months, and £3,800 per job under the Government programme.
“So it’s proving a cost-efficient way of helping people,” she said.
Clr Nicola Turner, a Colne Valley Liberal Democrat, said: “I think the figures speak for themselves – it’s helped people into jobs and given others practical advice which will hopefully lead to jobs.
“What’s often forgotten is the emotional cost. It can be tough for people looking for work or training and this is helping to direct them back into work.”
Funding for the project runs until July.
Later this month, on Monday April 15, the council is launching an apprenticeship scheme with 30 apprenticeships in construction, social care, plumbing, customer services and highways.
A drop-in session takes place at the Brian Jackson House from 5pm-7pm.
