EMPLOYMENT and skills specialist Working Links has started to deliver the government’s new Work Programme initiative in the South-West of England.

Working Links will deliver programmes in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset starting in summer 2011.

The new programme provides a single, personalised welfare to work structure for all customer groups and is to supersede the complicated raft of national programmes currently on offer.

Through the Work Programme, Working Links is partnering with a range of organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors across the South West to help people improve their skills and obtain sustainable employment.

Working Links will offer its services from offices in Taunton, Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth, Bodmin, Truro and Penzance. It is estimated that the programme will help more than 35,000 people in the South West over the next seven years.

Working Links’ regional director for the South-West, Frances Brennan, said: “We are delighted to be awarded the contracts to continue the good work we have been doing over the last 11 years. Since our inception in 2000, we have placed more than 16,000 people into work across the South West and have been at the forefront of supporting disadvantaged people overcome their various barriers.

“We are passionate about changing people’s lives and creating better lives for people, families and communities. We are looking forward to helping thousands more achieve their goal of obtaining sustainable employment over the next seven years of the contract.”

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