A NEW initiative will connect unemployed people on Oxford’s estates with jobs.

Talent Match, which will provide work clubs with information about job vacancies, will be launched in the city tomorrow.

Oxford currently has volunteer-run, community-based work clubs in Blackbird Leys, Littlemore, Wood Farm and Barton.

The scheme will give mentors at the clubs information about vacancies so they can help jobseekers find work.

It will also help mentors tell them what skills they might need if they are not quite right for the jobs advertised.

Oxford City Council leader Bob Price said: “It is really important that we focus on getting people into work here in the city and the scheme fully supports this.

“We believe this unique approach is a winner, not only for jobseekers, but employers and training providers also.”

Oxfordshire Skills Board chairman Adrian Lockwood said: “Talent Match is a critical link in the local skills supply chain, connecting and empowering jobseekers, and training providers and employers to meet local demand.”

The scheme will launch at Barton Neighbourhood Centre between noon and 2pm. For information call 01865 323474.