'One-stop shop' to fight downturn

The service was set up to help people in Alcester

An advice and employment service for people facing financial problems has begun operating in a Warwickshire town.

Jobs on Tuesday (Jot), which has been set up by churches in Alcester, brings together bodies including Jobcentre Plus, CAB and counselling services.

The Rector of Alcester, the Rev Canon David Capron, said he wanted to create a "one-stop recession-busting shop".

It will take place at Church House, Butter Street, from 1000 to 1400 BST every Tuesday.

Mr Capron said a law firm, Alcester Town Council and Warwickshire County Council were among agencies based at different locations which would be brought together by the service.

He said: "Alcester, like every community, is affected by the current difficult economic climate.

"We have people who are losing their jobs or having their hours and wages slashed, coming up against debt, suffering stress and relationship problems, all as a result of the financial downturn."