Kirklees Council’s cabinet has approved a funding agreement with West Yorkshire Combined Authority that will support more people to find jobs.

£2.3 million will help deliver the Employment West Yorkshire (EWY) programme in Kirklees until Spring 2025.

Funding support is available for local people, and is a West Yorkshire Combined Authority programme, led by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin and would extend the current Employment support programmes which to support local people into sustainable employment, apprenticeships and learning and training opportunities.

The programme offers an all age all employment information, advice and guidance service for resident aged 15 plus who live in Kirklees. Priority is given to those furthest from the labour market who are either not in work or in insecure low paid work.

People at risk of redundancy or those who work in vulnerable sectors can access opportunities to retrain, upskill, progress in their role or access more employment opportunities.

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth said: “I am delighted that we are continuing to invest in and develop our employment support programme.

“It means we can respond to the needs and opportunities within our towns and villages. We want to ensure residents have the provision available to help them progress so they can secure better paid jobs that they enjoy, and businesses have a skilled work force they can rely on, both now and in the future.” You can access support from the Employment and Skills Service by calling 01484 221000.