A FOREST man who was despondent about finding more work at the age of 50 after being unemployed since November, 1999, is one of the successes of a new scheme to get people back to work.
Oscar Burrows of Mitcheldean is now "very happy" after finding work with Glevum Security.
His new boss, Steve Barnett, said: "Oscar has been outstanding, and if the Jobcentres have any more clients anything like as good as him they can send them along."
Oscar heard about the New Deal for 50-plus at Lydney Jobcentre, where he was assigned to a 'personal adviser' who helped him restore his confidence.
He suffered setbacks when no work came from several job applications but then two offers came within one week and he accepted the Glevum post.
The scheme offers the over-50s support and advice and a £60 tax-free top up can be paid for full-time workers and £40 for part-timers, with training grants of up to £750.
Details are available at Jobcentres or ring the Gloucestershire New Deal team on 01242 845002.