ABUSINESS centre in Comet country is among four colleges and training providers across the East of England who are to get extra Government funding for training to help people who have lost their jobs or are facing redundancy back into work. The Hertfordsh

ABUSINESS centre in Comet country is among four colleges and training providers across the East of England who are to get extra Government funding for training to help people who have lost their jobs or are facing redundancy back into work.

The Hertfordshire Careers Service, based in Letchworth GC, will be getting a share of the �7.6m that the Government and European Social Fund is making available.

The money will help people who are currently under notices of redundancy or have recently lost their jobs, offering them free, flexible training to boost their skills so they can move quickly back into work.

Minister for further education, skills, apprenticeships and consumer affairs Kevin Brennan said: "We will not stand by and leave people without support, particularly during a recession.

"Colleges and training providers are at the front line in helping people back into work, particularly during a recession, and are playing a key role in building a stronger Britain.

"This funding will open up access to training and new skills, opening doors to a new or better job.

"Trainers know what local businesses want and can teach the skills people in their area need to take up jobs as soon as they become available."

Minister for regional economic development and co-operation Rosie Winterton said: "These colleges and training providers will be able to offer a shot in the arm for people in the East of England who are facing uncertain times in their careers and working lives.

"We want to provide real help to people who have just lost their jobs or are at risk of doing so. Our prime aim is to keep the time people spend out of work to a minimum while making the return to work a stepping stone to a more skilled future.

"I hope people across the East of England who are facing redundancy or who are out of work will take full advantage of these training opportunities."

Anyone wanting to know more about training courses at the college can telephone 01462 640340.