A new pilot to recruit an initial 1,000 people from groups or areas worst hit by unemployment has been announced.

Backed by £5m, the new recruitment scheme will target those who historically face barriers into employment, including young people not in education or training, unpaid carers, care leavers, people with special educational needs and disabilities, people with long-term health conditions or disabilities, ethnic minority groups with no/low level qualifications, refugees, asylum seekers and prison leavers.

The programme may teach important skills to support a move into the health and care sector, alongside support with job applications and preparing for interviews. Participants will also have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in a local health and care employer.

Many will then move into roles such as health support workers, facilities management, administrative positions, nursing support roles and pharmacy support roles, kickstarting a long-term career within health and care.

The DHSC said: ‘Through our Plan for Change, this government is committed to raising living standards, driving growth and productivity, and tackling inequalities.'