JOBLESS people in an unemployment blackspot will benefit from a multi-million pound project aimed at helping people back to work.

Jobs Enterprise and Training (Jet) opened its latest venue today in Biddulph.

The scheme, which provides advice, support and guidance to residents who have been unemployed for more than a year, is helping to tackle North Staffordshire's high unemployment and benefit dependant rates.

It comes as a report for the Commission for Rural Communities highlights the Staffordshire Moorlands as suffering unemployment at a higher rate than in major urban blackspots. In the past 12 months, the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in the Moorlands increased from 712 to 1,447. Job losses at JCB have affected the figures.

Staffordshire Moorlands councillor Christina Jebb welcomed the report.

She said: "There is a real need for a report like this which highlights the problem so action can be taken."

Today a part-time Jet outreach post opened at Leek College's Kingsfield Centre, in Biddulph.

Jet is funded by bodies including Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the European Regional Development Fund. It is costing £13 million and will run for three years.

Councillor Hazel Lyth, Stoke-on-Trent City Council portfolio holder for enterprise and culture, said: "Jet has already been recognised for a West Midlands award for its dedication to helping get people the training and skills they need to find work. This extra outreach post will help boost the number of people Jet can help."

Councillor Andrew Hart, pictured, portfolio holder for housing and regeneration at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: "The creation of this service means we now have dedicated support – helping to secure new jobs for the people of Biddulph and the surrounding area."

Zoe Mutton, aged 26, of Shelton, is just one of many people the scheme has already helped back in to work. The single mother-of-three wants to become a midwife. Following support from the Jet, Zoe is now registered with a nursing agency.

She said: "As a single mum getting training is difficult because most of the courses are full-time. Jet helped me get a place on a two-day-a-week course, helped with childcare, paid for travel and even got me an interview with a nursing agency."

Jet helps people find a job which matches their experience. It also offers training and other support to improve people's chances of securing work.

There are Jet centres in Burslem, Longton, Bentilee and Knutton as well as the Jet Business headquarters in the Goodson Building, in Hanley.

To find out more call free on 0800 731 8587 or call into the Kingsfield Centre, Gunn Street, Biddulph, on Wednesday mornings.