PEOPLE in receipt of health related benefits are getting a chance to return to work thanks to an innovative programme.

The Morrison Trust Job Brokering Service is offering people receiving benefits a way to meaningful work.

The partnership between WM Morrison Enterprise Trust, JobCentre Plus, Darlington Borough Council and the Darlington Partnership, is responsible for delivery of the New Deal for Disabled people in the Darlington area.

Denis Coogans is one of the job brokers, at the organisation's base at the Morton Park Business Training Centre.

He said: "A lot of people claiming health-related benefits want the chance to work, but often aren't given that chance by prospective employers. We work with our clients to help them find work that suits their personal circumstances, be that full-time or part-time."

Since it was established in July 2001, it has helped more than 50 people back into work.

Mr Coogans said: "Although take-up of the project was initially slow, we are now running to plan and have helped more than 50 people, who wouldn't be in work otherwise, to find employment."

One person who used that help is 21-year-old Kevin Brain, who is a tyre fitter with Derek Short Tyres on the Borough Road Industrial Estate, which has a staff of five.

Kevin, who has health problems, had never worked before contacting the service, but has now been working full-time for more than a year.

Owner Derek Short, who set up the business in 1982 after spells with tyre companies, including Goodyear and Dunlop, said: "Kevin is a real asset to this company. He has been trained in all aspects of tyre fitting, and is progressing well with his knowledge of tyres.

"His confidence is improving all the time and he is able to assess a customer's needs, identify the right product for them and take payment.

"I would recommend the job brokering service to other employers in the Darlington area, as a way of fulfilling their employment needs."

Services offered to clients and prospective employers include:

* Vocational profiling.

* Action plans.

* Benefits advice.

* Guidance on disability issues.

* Ongoing support.

* Reduced recruitment costs.

* Information about financial assistance.

* Access to training.

The Morrison Trust, in partnership with Darlington Borough Council, has successfully secured additional funding through the European Social Fund, in the form of the Into Work grant.

Mr Coogans said: "The grant offers employers personalised support and financial assistance, as long as they show a commitment to training new employees for at least six months. The overall aim is to equip the person with the skills and experience that will improve their long-term employment prospects."

Further funding for training has been secured via the Learning and Skills Council, which enables the trust to offer tailor-made packages of training that are of benefit to client and potential employer.

Mr Coogans said: "We currently have a database of clients, with a wide range of skills, qualifications and experience, who are wanting to return to work.

Any company interested in the work of the Morrison Trust Job Brokering Service, should contact Denis Coogans, Fiona Davies or Fraser Wallace on (01325) 387 700.