Jobcentre Plus helps unemployed single father of 48 to set up his own business (From Worcester News)

Jobcentre Plus helps unemployed single father of 48 to set up his own business

3:00am Thursday 9th July 2009 in

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A SINGLE father from Wor-cester who was unemployed for two years has found the key to success after retraining as a locksmith and setting up his own business.

Ian Barton, aged 48 and who lives in Ronkswood, had to give up work after 30 years as a long-distance lorry driver to look after his daughter.

He had been claiming benefits for two years when he expressed an eagerness to be a self-employed locksmith.

Tracey Manley, a lone parent adviser for Jobcentre Plus, referred Mr Barton to Business Link which provided him with self-employ-ment advice.

When Mr Barton’s idea was seen as being viable Mrs Manley was able to arrange funding through New Deal for him to do a locksmith training course. She also made sure he was aware of the in-work benefits which were available to him.

Mr Barton started trading in early January. Five mon-ths on, his business is developing through a mixture of sub-contracting work and regular customers such as estate agents.

Mr Barton is very happy with his new career.

He said: “I am very pleased with the help I was given. Without Tracey Manley chipping away I would not have had the confidence to see this through.

“I give Jobcentre Plus a ‘plus, plus, plus’ and 10 out of 10 for all its help.”