A PIONEERING project to test new ways of helping sick workers keep their jobs is being trailblazed in the North-East.

The research could provide valuable information to enable people to get back to work quickly without losing their jobs, and help businesses retain skilled and experienced workers.

The Job Retention and Rehabilitation Pilot (JRRP) project will be pioneered on Teesside and Tyneside.

Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in partnership with the Department of Health, it is scheduled to start on April 1.

DWP Work Minister Nick Brown said: "Every week people lose their job because of health problems. This cutting edge initiative could prove a real boost to workers and bosses across the UK.

"Evidence shows that the earlier people off work because of sickness receive help, the better their chance of returning to their job."

Health Minister David Lammy said: "Existing research does not tell us if extra help at work or through the health service will be effective in keeping people in their jobs.

"It makes sense to carry out research so that we can see what works and what doesn't."

Involving 7,500 selected volunteers, the JRRP will run for two years in six pilot areas across the country - the other four in Greater Glasgow, Birmingham, Sheffield and West Kent.

The innovative project will be open to eligible employed and self-employed volunteers who have been off work for between six and 26 weeks.