PLANS to get more than 2,000 Barnsley residents back into work are set to be approved by Barnsley Council.

In November, the Pathways to Work commission was selected as a trailblazer initiative in the UK Government’s Get Britain Working White Paper.

The delivery plans aim to support 10,000 South Yorkshire residents into work over the next four years.

This approach will deliver personalised support to 2,200 people in Barnsley, so they can overcome barriers that prevent them from working, while improving their skills and employability.

At next Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, councillors will look to approve the scheme which would see a partnership formed between the council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

This would provide £1.705m in funding to accelerate the rollout of better Pathways to Work until April 2026.

This partnership would also include access to a £2m Connect to Work grant for three years.

Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “We’re committed to developing an inclusive and thriving economy in Barnsley that benefits everyone.

“By creating better Pathways to Work and offering personalized support, more people will be able to benefit from good employment in the borough.

“I welcome the proposals to provide tailored support, so that people can find options that will suit their needs and circumstances.

“The innovative approach to Pathways to Work has enabled opportunities for new government funding, that will support young people and adults who require flexible approaches to benefit from the possibilities in Barnsley.”