Car deals available to aid jobseekers

Dec 9 2009 by Dave Black, The Journal

Kim, who used to live and work in Edinburgh, was then offered a combined teaching and classroom support role at Tyne Met College in Wallsend, together with a two-year post graduate teaching course at Northumbria University.

However, she didn’t have her own vehicle and, being unemployed, could not afford to buy one. With no suitable bus service to get her there, Kim was referred to the Wheels to Work scheme and given a six-month loan of a Ford Ka.

She said:“I’m definitely very grateful for this scheme. I wouldn’t have been able to take the job without it. In Edinburgh there are buses to take you everywhere but it’s not the same in Northumberland.”

The scheme will also benefit employers. Neil McKie, director of Hexham-based Robson Print Ltd, took on print finishing apprentice Ben Cantwell, 20, of Slaley after he secured the loan of a scooter.

Neil said:“Ben wouldn’t have got the job had he not been able to get his own transport.

“We wanted Ben as the ideal candidate but had to bear in mind where he lived. We start work at 8.30am and no bus would get him here in time.’’

Liz Prudhoe, general manager with Adapt, said:“The scheme is aimed at people in more inaccessible areas of the county, who can’t get to work by public transport and don’t have their own vehicle.

“We hope it will get about 70 people into employment in a year.’’

Yesterday Coun Jim Smith, county council executive member for regeneration, housing and planning, said: “The inspirational stories from the pilot schemes show how Green Light to Work will make a huge difference to many people’s lives across Northumberland.

“It could be the difference between being stranded at home unable to take up job or training offers, and securing employment.”

For more information about the Green Light to Work scheme, see www.greenlighttowork.org or email info@greenlightotwork.org or call 0845 388 0042.