City of York Council is looking to fill vacancies on an innovative work placement programme that helps people with disabilities find and retain work.

Workstep, which is run by the council and receives government funding, offers 52 work placements in a variety of settings and ten of these are currently vacant.

Most referrals to the scheme come through Job Centre Plus, although the council is also keen to hear directly from individuals who would be interested in joining the scheme, as well as employers who might be able to offer jobs.

Workstep offers job coaching and mentoring support to people in their places of employment, as well as offering relevant advice and  training to both employees and employers. Its ultimate aim is to get participants on the programme into permanent employment, working with the employers to support them both.

A recent report for the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) gave Workstep a grade two  or 'good' rating for the way that it prepares participants for life and work, identifying the promotion of work-based training, good development planning and well-planned support as particular strengths of the scheme.

A grade three, or satisfactory, rating was given on the leadership and management of the scheme, with the need to improve uptake of Workstep places identified as a potential area for improvement.

Richard Douglas, who manages the Workstep project, explained: "We are really keen to recruit more participants in Workstep, as well as speaking to employers who are interested in getting involved so that we can broaden the range of employment options available.

"The rewards for both employees and employers are great, and help and support is provided throughout their employment."

Anyone interested in joining Workstep, either as an employee or employer, should call 01904 552707.