Gloucestershire has 900 troubled families, says government (From Cotswold Journal)

Gloucestershire has 900 troubled families, says government

4:10pm Monday 4th March 2013 in News

NEW government figures suggest there are 900 troubled families in Gloucestershire – and now a drive to get them into work is to be spearheaded by specialist Jobcentre Plus advisers.

Working with existing troubled families teams in councils, the employment advisers will give intensive support to whole families and for the first time track the progress made to get them into jobs.

The practical support will include CV writing, job interview skills and highlight training opportunities and job vacancies in the area. They will also put families in contact with local employers, demonstrating that there are opportunities for everyone to get into work. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith said: "There are thousands of individuals and families in the UK living troubled lives blighted by crime, worklessness, and truancy. Worklessness can be a particular issue for some of these families and helping them get and keep a job can be vital in turning their lives around, bringing improved structure and stability with increased aspirations and confidence.”

Troubled families are defined as those who: • are involved in youth crime or anti-social behaviour; • have children who are regularly truanting; • have an adult on out-of-work benefits; • cost the public sector large sums in responding to their problems, an estimated average of £75,000 per year.