A JOB centre unit helping residents in their search for work is to be extended.

More than 200 people every week have been benefitting from training and support at the unit in the Enterprise Centre in Lotus Way, Jaywick.

The unit first opened two years ago and was developed by Tendring Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Many have gone on to find employment and the aim is to expand the type of assistance offered at the site.

Now a second adjoining unit is being offered to provide support on issues such as housing and finance for residents.

Job centre manager Diane Hauserman, manager at Clacton jobcentre, said they hope whole idea was to build on the success achieved so far.

She said: “It is all about enhancing the offer to residents in Jaywick Sands, many of whom have multiple issues and problems that need to be addressed.“We have really started to make a difference to people’s lives and we want to expand that service.”

“We will start with a day a month on a particular subject. There will be people coming to the unit with a number of specific needs and they will be able to get all types of help under one roof, as well as training.

Neil Stock, leader of Tendring Council, welcomed the move and said he was pleased to see that residents in Jaywick were finding sustainable jobs.

He said: “Now we need to work closer with them to improve their lives in other ways and this community hub will be able to do just that.

“It is based in the heart of the community for the community and this is a huge step in the right direction along with other initiatives we have going on in Jaywick Sands.

“The Council, along with our partners in both the public and private sector, are working hard to bring about a significant change to the fortunes of residents and the regeneration of the area.

“It is an ongoing process which we are totally committed to and have made a promise to the residents and we will not let them down.”