22 million of new European cash will be used to increase employment opportunities and develop people’s work skills, Employment Minister Tony McNulty announced today.

32 bidders will receive money from the European Social Fund (ESF), specifically set aside to deliver innovative projects across England. Projects in the current funding round are going to focus on helping disadvantaged groups back to work, supporting older workers and making sure unemployed people get all the help they need to find work.

Tony McNulty said: “We want to provide real help for unemployed people. This extra money will support people on their journey back to work and make sure they have the right skills for the jobs available.”

Three of the projects will directly support City Strategy Pathfinders in East London, Tyne and Wear and West London. The Pathfinders are aimed at tackling localised pockets of worklessness.

Projects are expected to start between 1 April and 30 June. Each project is required to work with at least one other EU country to share good practice.