JOBLESS residents living on a Southampton estate are being asked to take part in a scheme that can get them back to work and improve the local environment.

The Intermediate Labour Market (ILM) project is being run in Thornhill by The Wheatsheaf Trust and paid for with cash from the Thornhill New Deal for Communities Scheme.

The project aims to help people get back into mainstream employment by providing paid job opportunities to develop their self-confidence as well as a track record and reference for future employers.

A range of full and part-time job opportunities are open to anyone who is currently unemployed, particularly lone parents and those returning to work after long-term illness.

The work involves practical community projects including painting, decorating and simple carpentry jobs, which in addition to providing work experience for those taking part, also improve the local environment.

All work is fully supervised and no previous experience is required. The team has already started work in Thornhill, painting stairwells in city council-owned blocks of flats.

Cabinet member for housing and homes Councillor Paul Russell said the scheme was an excellent example of partnership working.

He said: "Not only does the initiative provide valuable training and work experience to help people get back into work, but, as the work is being organised by Housing Services, our tenants will benefit by having brighter, cleaner stairwells and communal areas."

Paid jobs with community, voluntary or environmental organisations are also available.

In addition, the ILM team will be working on a range of energy efficiency and home security work, including loft insulation, draught-proofing and the fitting of security locks. This service will be available for homeowners in Thornhill."

For more details about ILM, contact Colin Savage from the Wheatsheaf Trust on 023 8023 7662.