UNEMPLOYED people in Herefordshire could be thrown a lifeline, with a new service set to launch next week.

Work Routes will be offering free, in-depth support to the county's jobseekers, helping them deal with any issues they feel are stopping them from working, from online job searching, CV writing and interview practice to trickier issues.

Since 2016, the service has supported thousands of unemployed people across the country who have faced hurdles such as low self-esteem, parent and carer responsibilities that make finding jobs with suitable hours more difficult, disabilities, ill mental and physical health

Financed by the European Social Fund, Work Routes will be delivered by employment specialists Reed in Partnership.

Operations manager Darius Hermanski said: “If you’ve been finding it difficult to find work for whatever reason, Work Routes is an amazing opportunity to get free expert advice and support.

“You’ll be assigned an Employment Adviser who will take the time to listen to your story.

“Lots of people worry about coming off benefits, or the cost of childcare or work travel and clothes. But, as well as practical advice and support, we can also help you financially and make sure that the transition to work doesn’t result in a hit on your finances.

“The appointments you’ll have with your adviser will be confidential and one-to-one. They’ll help you to plan ahead with things like free skills courses, job suggestions based on your transferable skills, supported job searching and applying – basically whatever you need to get the right mindset and skills to ultimately start the right job for you.

“We are a totally free service whose one aim is to give you the help you need to get the job you want.”

If you are currently unemployed and would like to know more about the brand new Work Routes service, launching in the county on October 7, phone 0800 015 5332 or visit workroutes.co.uk