An EU commitment to a £2 billion investment in jobs and skills in England over the next seven years has been welcomed today by the minister for work and pension Mike O’Brien.

In news likely to be welcomed by regional recruitment portal organisers and workers in talent pools across the country, the European Commission has announced agreement on a European social fund programme, which will provide job search advice and support.

Other undertakings to be supported by the funding include confidence building, basic skill and vocational qualifications.

Mr O’Brien comments: "By tackling barriers to work and improving skills, European Social Fund projects will help more people realise their potential. They will make a valuable contribution to our policies to build on record levels of employment by extending opportunities even further."

In news which might interest those looking for social work jobs, Mr O’Brien also suggested that the funding could help to encourage social cohesion and eliminate child poverty.

Last week, the DWP announced that the Child Support Agency had launched a campaign targeting some 62,000 parents who have neglected to make support contributions totalling £200 million.

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