More than 7,000 new jobs will be created across Shropshire and the West Midlands after the county was given a share of a £1 billion Government kitty.

The Future Jobs Fund allows which local authorities and other organisations to bid for cash to help create about 150,000 new jobs nationwide. It is a new approach to create jobs and provide hope for jobseekers in deprived areas.

Shropshire Council’s application was among 117 of the first round of 182 bids to be awarded cash.

It is expected the successful West Midlands bids which include several other local authorities, third sector organisations and social enterprises, will create up to 7,500 new jobs in the region.

They will be created in a range of sectors, with a good number of green and cultural jobs.

Erica Garner, head of learning, employment and training service at Shropshire Council, said: “The council is pleased to be part of the delivery of the Future Jobs Fund programme.

“The Future Jobs Fund aims to support young people aged 18-24 who are approaching 12 months unemployment back into work through a  subsidised job for a six month period. This is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

“A number of jobs have been pledged across the county including jobs within the public, private and third sector.”

The Government says the money has been invested in young people, and others at disadvantage in the labour market, to make sure a generation is not written off.

By January next year, every 18 to 24-year-old who is approaching 12 months unemployment or more will be guaranteed a new job, training or paid work experience place. An additional 100,000 jobs will also be offered in sectors to help Britain grow.

In April the Government said that on top of the £1bn committed to guaranteeing young unemployed work and training, an additional £1.7 billion would be invested in more help for all jobseekers, through Jobcentre Plus and the Flexible New Deal.

By Russell Roberts