MORE local jobs have been created as the Future Jobs Fund is extended in Kirklees.

The council has announced that the programme has been extended, bringing the total number of new local jobs to 371.

Through the first phase of Future Jobs Fund (FJF), Kirklees Council created 138 jobs with local organisations.

A large number of the additional 233 positions have already been identified, with total investment now reaching £2.4m.

Future Jobs Fund is a national programme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

The council works with organisations such as health trusts, training groups and the University of Huddersfield to secure work for long-term unemployed young people and those who live in areas of Kirklees identified as ‘unemployment hot spots’ including Batley West, Birkby, Crosland Moor, Dalton, Deighton, Dewsbury East, Dewsbury West, Newsome and Paddock.

Clr Mehboob Khan, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “We want to ensure that our area makes a strong recovery from the recession.

“Our recovery fund will create hundreds of new jobs and protect several thousand jobs that are at risk.

“The Future Jobs Fund is about tackling youth and long term unemployment, this is a priority for this council and the government.

“I’m delighted that we have been given the extra Government funding, enabling us to build on the good work done so far and give even more people the chance to get back into the workplace and enhance their skills.”

The jobs created through the Future Jobs Fund last for six months but the hope is many will be kept on by employers.

Alasdair Brown, Kirklees Active Leisure’s Chief Executive said: “The Future Jobs Fund has provided KAL with a group of enthusiastic young staff members, who have taken to the range of tasks asked of them with energy and commitment.

“We would certainly recommend any employer with the opportunity to get involved in the FJF programme to do so and to help develop the skills, self-confidence and ability of these young people that will hopefully lead to their permanent employment in the longer term.”