A PI0NEERING scheme is set to help thousands of disabled Bolton people find a job.

More than 17,500 residents, currently receiving incapacity cash in the town, will soon be given the chance to get back to the work place, without losing out on benefits.

The town is one of only 15 pilot areas across England, Scotland and Wales to take part in the Government scheme when it is introduced on April 11.

Ditching

It will allow people on incapacity benefits to try out work for a trial period or earn up to £15 per week, while still retaining their benefits.

Those ditching benefits to take up work will be eligible for a £200 jobfinder's grant and a weekly payment of £50 for the first six months of part-time work.

Yesterday town hall chiefs welcomed the moves which they believe will help to encourage Bolton's disabled residents into work.

Yesterday Cllr Cliff Morris, chair of social services, said: "As long as disabled people want to work it's right that they should be encouraged to and I welcome the Government's scheme.

"Some people may not feel they can do the work that's being offered and so they should not feel forced in anyway.

"Disabled people should not be bulldozed into working but they should be given every opportunity to go back to work if they so wish. The more level the playing field the better it is for everyone."

Government bosses say the Bolton scheme will ensure work will pay for disabled people as well as ensuring equality and opportunity in workplaces throughout the town.

Alistair Darling, secretary of state for social security, said: "It provides an excellent opportunity for the client to try out a job to see if it suits them and it also allows the employer to evaluate the suitability of the client."

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