Wales: Want2Work to help thousands more back into work

Rhodri Morgan, First Minister for Wales announced £18 million pounds of new funding from the European Social Fund to resource the Want2Work project for the next 6 years. It will be supplemented by £14million from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Mr. Morgan stated that the £32-million package is expected to support around 14,000 people with preparation and training for returning to work.

Want2Work is a Jobcentre Plus and Welsh Assembly initiative that has been designed to boost employment in areas of great need in Wales. Mark Cunningham, from Merthyr in Wales, who was unemployed and claiming Incapacity Benefit for 20 years, was eager to become a self-employed car mechanic. When a local garage was put up for sale he sought the advice of welfare reform project, Want2Work, who assisted him with training and financial support to start his own business.

In recognition of his determination to get back into work, Mark was presented with the award for ‘Achievement through Entrepreneurship’. Stephen Timms, the Minister for Employment & Welfare Reform, was speaking at the awards and stated that understanding the problems that prevent people from returning to work is critical if the government wants to get people off benefits and back into employment.