THOUSANDS of disadvantaged people and long-term job seekers are to receive support in finding work thanks to millions of pounds worth of new funding.

The Tees Valley has secured £6m of additional devolved funding from government to support up to 2,500 people into employment.

The pilot initiative, which has been launched in the six Combined Authority areas with elected Mayors, will support people aged 30 and over facing the greatest difficulties in accessing jobs and career opportunities.

This includes people who have been out of work for a long period, those who face physical and mental health challenges, and those who have had a claim for Employment Support Allowance rejected.

The initiative aims to support up to 2,500 people over the three-year lifetime of the pilot, moving at least a quarter of those into employment, and helping the rest make significant progress towards securing work.

It will involve providing each person with a locally-based key worker to ensure the right support is accessed.

This could include specialist services for mental health or addiction, quality training programmes, financial advice, digital upskilling and literacy, numeracy and language support.

Ben Houchen, Mayor of the Tees Valley, said: “Over the last four years, the unemployment rate in the Tees Valley has halved.

"Our economy is growing, and more people are in work providing for themselves and their families.

“Things are getting better, but there remain stubborn barriers to work, and this new investment from the government, secured because we have a Mayor, gives us a unique opportunity to address long-term unemployment.

“Today I’m calling on local support services, voluntary organisations and local councils to work together to provide the best possible support to help people back to work," he added.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s cabinet member for education, employment and skills, added: “This funding gives the Tees Valley a great opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to work together to find local solutions to address the most complex economic and social challenges.

"I am confident we will make a real difference to improve the life chances of people across the Tees Valley”.

Jake Berry, Northern Powerhouse Minister, added: "This pilot will provide intensive support for people who face barriers to accessing the labour market and help them find long term employment."