Jersey Back to Work initiative praised by Francis Le Gresley

Fifteen people have found jobs in Jersey through a new government scheme.

The Back to Work initiative began in May 2012 with the aim of curbing record rises in unemployment in the island.

The scheme has seen 60 people receive training, as well as help with job applications and organising work experience.

Senator Francis Le Gresley, the Social Security Minister, said the scheme encouraged employers to consider people who had been out of work for some time.

Back to Work was funded from £2.5m of States money which had been set aside to help the long-term unemployed get back in to work.

It allowed companies to claim back up to £7,200 for every long-term unemployed person they took on.