A MAN who has been out of work for five years has become one of the latest people to benefit from a scheme aimed at helping the unemployed.
Gary Turnbull, 38, of Annfield Plain, Stanley, has started work for Orange Communications after receiving help from Interwork, an innovative project which helps remove barriers to employment, education and training.
It is designed to help people in deprived wards in Derwentside, including Annfield Plain, Burnhope, Catchgate, Consett South, Leadgate, Craghead, Delves Lane, South Moor and South Stanley.
People who have used the project have benefited from ongoing support in their search for a way back to work.
Due to a series of eye operations, Mr Turnbull could not go back into a dirty working environment, but had no skills for white-collar employment. Neither could he trace managers from his previous job to give him a reference.
After a series of sessions with an Interwork advisor, he was supported through an interview for his new job.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article