SUPPORT for jobseekers is now available in Knutsford, thanks to a new venture between a Longridge community centre and the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Welcome Café hosted its first Jobcentre Plus drop-in morning last week, with sessions to run every Thursday between 10am and noon.

Jobcentre provision in the town has been a concern for many since the DWP announced the imminent closure of the closest branch in neighbouring Wilmslow by April 2018, leaving Knutsfordians facing the prospect of a lengthy journey to the Macclesfield centre.

But after lengthy discussions facilitated by the town council, The Welcome has managed to secure the service as part of its involvement in the Cheshire East Council ‘Connected Communities’ scheme.

Marie Fox, operations manager at The Welcome, said: “After many meetings we finally decided that this would be a good idea for us, and for Jobcentre Plus who want to be a lot more part of the community.

“They are helping people with job searches, interviews, and also helping them to get online and log in to Universal Credit.

“Thursday was the first session and people did come in and use the service.

“We are looking to open up further services through the Connected Communities scheme.”

As well as the one-on-one sessions providing jobseekers with help to get on the employment ladder, the convenience of the service in the town has pleased many.

With cuts to CEC-provided bus services imminent, those travelling across the borough are set to face longer journeys.

Town clerk Adam Keppel-Green said: “The town council is delighted to hear that Jobcentre Plus services will be available in Knutsford, making it easier for Knutsford job-seekers to find employment and reducing the need for costly and time-consuming journeys to neighbouring towns.”

A DWP spokesman added that the sessions at The Welcome will facilitate IT and job search support, with the one-on-one basis helping to ‘ensure the needs of those attending are met’.

Drop-ins will also be running at Handforth library from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesdays.

Call The Welcome on 01565 750905.