A COMMUNITY volunteer programme launched in July is already helping people back in to work.

The Staffordshire County Council scheme offers outdoor voluntary work for people who want to learn new skills.

Volunteers work on projects such as clearing footpaths and vegetation, installing signposts and repairing gates.

The work experience helps people bolster their CV.

Between October 2008 and October 2009, there was a 73.6 per cent increase in the number of job seekers in Staffordshire, from 10,520 to 18,265.

The scheme also saves the council money.

Since July, 79 volunteers have signed up and worked for 2,520 hours, work estimated to be worth £29,856.

Without the volunteers, the council would have to employ an additional eight estate workers per year, at a cost of £162,385.

Nine volunteers have gone on to find work and two have entered full-time education.

The details are in a report on the council's response to the recession. It will be discussed by the council's cabinet on Wednesday and a scrutiny committee today.