A MAJOR innovative research project to assist in creating jobs for the region's long-term unemployed over-40s is to be launched in St Helens.

St Helens One Stop follows the success of the five Merseyside councils in securing £900,000 Euro funding to operate pilot projects and find ways of assisting the long-term unemployed to return to work.

One Stop is the first of the Merseyside projects to be launched and is also one of the first in the 16 regions across Europe participating in this employment initiative in which local MEP Terry Wynn played a pivotal role.

Initially a pilot scheme until June next year, if successful, it has the potential to carry on.

One Stop is being managed by Grosvenor Housing Association supported by other 'partners', including St Helens Council. It will provide a property repair and maintenance agency for householders offering real employment opportunities for the long-term unemployed.

It will also offer comprehensive welfare rights and benefits advice to the unemployed and provide new options for the unemployed to consider such as multi-sector partnerships and setting up business co-operatives and other ventures.

Other Merseyside projects targeted at the long-term unemployed are to be launched shortly in Sefton, Wirral, Liverpool and Knowsley.

Progress on the initiative and others will be presented at a two-day seminar early next year. It is anticipated that more then 80 representatives from the 16 Euro regions will attend.

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