Midlands companies with 250 people or less are to get help from Pertemps People Development Group, to encourage unemployed people back into the workplace.

The recruiter, set up to deliver Welfare to Work services for the government, won a contract with The Learning and Skills Council to assist businesses within the food and drink, and leisure and tourism sectors.

The aim is to support 331 unemployed people into jobs within these sectors by the end of March.

PPDG regional business development director David Stevens (pictured) says: “Our team of recruitment and business advisors will endeavour to identify recruits that we believe fulfill [client] requirements, and will offer business advice in key areas including training, business growth and improving efficiency.”

The project aims to unemployed individuals in the most deprived communities in overcoming barriers so they can successfully enter employment.