A scheme which has helped 56 people find employment in the Gore district has received further government funding of $500,000.
Closing the Gaps has been running for seven months and aimed to help people who have lost jobs due to Covid-19 find work.
A survey of 98 businesses in the Gore area about the time the scheme was launched found 88% were either hiring or planning to hire new staff.
The funding will help the scheme run for another 12 months.
The majority of the funding will help businesses, which can receive up to $6500 in support of a placement.
The Gore District Council delivers the scheme in partnership with the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs and the Ministry of Social Development.
Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks said Closing the Gaps had significantly improved the prospects for job seekers and employers alike within the Gore district.
‘‘To be able to continue and build on this success over the next 12 months is good news for our community.
‘‘I urge employers and jobseekers to get in touch so they can make the most of the opportunities available.’’
- By Sandy Eggleston
