EU grants to help fund job places

EU GRANTS are up or grabs for companies that want to employ underrepresented and vulnerable residents in Runcorn and Widnes.

Halton Borough Council is offering to help apply for funding.

The Ways To Work project provides grants to organisations to support the employment of residents not in education, employment or training.

A Halton Council spokesman said priority groups were long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, those from ethnic minorities, single parents and care leavers.

The aim is to provide job opportunities that would continue after the initial placement ends.

Under the intermediate labour market placement (ILM) programme there will be grant-funded job opportunities for six or 12 months – funding covers national minimum wage, National Insurance and pension costs.

More than one ILM placement can be taken at one time, placements involve a minimum of 35 hours a week with some part-time roles available, and placements must not replace existing roles.

Eligible employers are small or medium-sized enterprises with a maximum of 250 employees, annual turnover of less than €50m (£45m) or balance sheet not exceeding €43m (£38.6m), have received less than €200,000 (£179,000) in state aid over the past three years, can demonstrate business growth and/or community benefit, preferably be based in Halton and have a commitment to continue employment after initial ILM placement.

Cllr Eddie Jones (economic development) said: “The council is pleased to offer firms an opportunity to help provide community benefit in Halton, while accessing financial incentives and support to recruit eager and willing workers.”

The Ways To Work project is supported by the European Social Fund and Youth Employment Initiative

For more details, email ILMS@halton.gov.uk