Unemployed? Need help to get to work or an interview? Help is at hand.

If you live in Acocks Green, South Yardley or Stechford & Yardley North, you may be eligible for help with the costs of public transport to get to interviews or even for up to eight weeks after you've got that job through the WorkWise scheme. This could be a free, unlimited day pass for bus, train and tram across the Midlands to get you to an interview or a pass to help you through the first two months of a new job. 

To be eligible, you must:

• Live within an eligible ward in the West Midlands (all three listed above are part of the scheme and the rest can be found here). You can check your ward here. 
• Be a JobCentrePlus client and not receiving travel assistance from another provider
• Be unemployed before signing up for WorkWise
• Be attending an interview for or starting a new job that takes up at least 16 hours a week
• Provide proof of ID, address and employment or interview
• Have an existing travel card or provide a passport-sized photograph
• Make a complete application within five days of starting work through your JobCentrePlus advisor

To apply, ask your advisor in the JobCentre or call direct on 0121 214 7436.

(A hat tip to fellow Labour Cllr Ian Cruise for bringing this to my attention).