A North East MP says getting local people into skilled jobs is a huge help to improving physical and mental health.

Reed in Partnership, a recruitment company that helps long-term unemployed into work, had met Richard Holden MP as strong employment figures showed that there are thousands more in full-time paid work in North West Durham than there were ten years ago. Overall, the North East recorded the largest fall in unemployment in the UK over the last year.

The company says its mission is to help this trend continue. As well as benefitting the local economy, improving services and reducing crime, if people are helped into work, they can develop new skills and fulfil their potential.

Richard Holden said: “Getting local people into work and especially into high-skill, high-wage jobs is at the core of what I want to see happening in North West Durham. It improves physical and mental health as well as helping individuals their families and our community.

“It is fantastic to see Reed in Partnership singing from the same hymn sheet by doing so much to help with this right here in North West Durham - especially helping get people who have often just lost the confidence to get into work into sustainable employment.”

Tony Mace, Programme Director for the Restart Scheme North East & Humber at Reed in Partnership, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Richard to our office in Consett to show him how the Department for Work and Pensions Restart Scheme has been supporting local unemployed people into sustainable employment.

“The service has been running since July 2021 and offers personal, expert support to help jobseekers to reach their employment goal. This includes help with looking for work, health and wellbeing support, skills training and interview practice.

"The difference that a meaningful, lasting job can have on a person's life is significant - we are proud to be working collaboratively with organisations and employers around Consett to offer new hope to lots of local jobseekers.”