Enterprising Rochdale jobseekers

More than 8,000 businesses have been established around the country since the Government’s New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) was launched last year, and a breakdown of official statistics shows that 30 jobseekers in Rochdale have used the support to become self-employed.

Under the NEA, entrepreneurial jobseekers are given the opportunity to have expert coaching and financial support to establish their own business.

Minister for Employment, Mark Hoban, said: "These figures show people embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. It is interesting to see which areas have shown the highest take up, and I hope people in other areas will follow.

"This can-do attitude is inspiring, and I hope to see many more jobseekers across the country taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the New Enterprise Allowance.

"Through this scheme we are backing those hardworking jobseekers with the imagination and determination to make a success of their business. If you are prepared to work hard and aspire to achieve more, this Government, through schemes like the Enterprise Allowance, will back you.”