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.”
