COUNCIL chiefs say a jobs scheme helped 110 unemployed people find employment.

The Trafford Pledge was launched by the council and its partners in April 2013.

An Employer Event at Carrington Business Park on February 10 provided businesses the opportunity to showcase and celebrate their achievements in recruiting through the Trafford Pledge.

At the event, five new businesses pledged their support to help people back in to work - Waitrose, Lean Engineering Recruitment, Cheeky Cherubs Soft Play and Learning Centre, Dornan and ExtraCare.

Councillor Michael Hyman, executive member for economic growth and planning, said: "Trafford Council is committed to playing its part in supporting unemployed people. The Trafford Pledge is an important part in this commitment and it is fantastic to see it helping businesses recruit local people.”

Angie Graham, from Waitrose, said: “At Waitrose we are committed to supporting the community in many different ways and our pledge is to provide opportunities to support the community back into work through various initiative."

On the day businesses were also able to sign the Corporate Covenant. This is an initiative to encourage employers to support former service personnel into employment. Vickers Electronics, Jump Nation, Lean Engineering Recruitment, SAICA and Davey’s Chemist took up the opportunity and signed up to the covenant.

Anyone wanting more information about the Trafford Pledge can visit the council's website at www.trafford.gov.uk/business/trafford-pledge, contact the team on 0161 912 4176 or email traffordpledge@outlook.com.

The council’s partners include Trafford College, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), National Careers Service, Your Housing, Trafford Housing Trust, Connexions and Lancashire County Cricket Club Foundation.