East gets £35m in Euro cash

The money comes from the European Social Fund

MORE than £35m of European funds have been awarded to help groups across the east of England target employment and skills issues in the neediest areas.

The European Union funds will help Jobcentre Plus offices throughout the region as well as Learning and Skills Councils in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

The money comes from the European Social Fund (ESF).

David Morrall, head of the European Unit at government quango Go East, said: " This is excellent news for the region.

ESF east grants

Jobcentre Plus - £16.4m (region wide)

Bedfordshire and Luton Learning and Skills Council (LSC) - £5.2m

Hertfordshire LSC - £2.2m

Norfolk LSC - £6m

Suffolk LSC - £5m

Essex County Council - £340,000

"This cash boost will make a real difference to the skills and employment prospects of those in work and those seeking employment."

The total amount of ESF provided to the region since January 2002 has now exceeded #90m.

This funding has and will enable a wide range of local organisations, including those in the voluntary and community sector, to help people obtain or return to work as well as help existing employees update and improve their skills.

Help will also be available to enable individuals to set up their own business, tackle redundancies, as well as research future skill trends.