A City of York Council scheme that helps people get back into employment after long periods off work, has been given top marks by inspectors.

Job Centre Plus has awarded the Workstep programme top marks after a recent appraisal. Workstop is a government-funded scheme that helps people with disabilities, or who have been sick long-term, find and keep a job.

Based at the Yorkcraft site, Workstep offers 52 work placements and is proving very popular with both employers and potential employees.

Richard Douglas, City of York's manager of disability and employment services said: "We are delighted with the outcome of our inspection. Credit must go to staff who have worked extremely hard to deliver this really successful programme in York."

The scheme has helped people like David Harding, who was unemployed and suffering from arthritis and depression when he decided to give the Workstep programme a go.

David wanted to find a job, but was in a 'catch-22' situation where he had no work experience and so could not find a job.

He said: "I called into the JobCentre and said I was unemployed through illness, but wanted help in getting back to work.

"They put me in touch with Yorkcaft and I gradually increased my hours there."

Workstep offers job coaching and mentoring support to people in their places of work, as well as offering relevant advice and training to both employees and employers. The ultimate aim is to get people into permanent employment.

For more information, contact the Workstep scheme 01904 552715.