THOUSANDS of unemployed residents in Barnsley are set to receive help - after global experts were enlisted to identify new ways of fast-tracking them back into jobs.

Leaders from the Pathways to Work Commission met with local businesses to explore how more people in Barnsley can benefit from local jobs on Wednesday.

The conversation - held at Evri in Hoyland - focused on how employers can create good work opportunities and celebrating examples of good practice in the borough.

Sir Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council, said: “Barnsley is a great place to invest where businesses, employees and customers support an economy that benefits everyone.

“From thriving start-ups, growing local businesses to industry leaders, there’s a vast range of roles and opportunities here.

“Businesses play a key part of creating new possibilities for residents.

“Working together to identify future options and solutions to challenges is vital.

“Together, we aim to develop innovative practices now and in the future.”

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Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley Central, added: “The session provided an excellent milestone for the project.

“Local employers play a key role in supporting people to benefit from work.

“Understanding how we can build on successes and do things differently in Barnsley is a powerful part of making change happen.

“Local insight is the key to understanding what can be achieved in Barnsley.

“The national and global experts that are part of the commission have fantastic insight into what is possible and the impact that innovative approaches can make.”