A HUNDRED people in Colchester have been given a job after taking part in the Government’s work programme.

Since it began in 2011 there have been 480 people referred.

The work programme provides support, work experience and training to those who are unemployed and who have been receving jobseekers’ allowmance for more than three months.

The scheme is politically controversial with supporters claiming it helps the self esteem of the unemployed and improves their prospect of work.

Detractors claim some businesses take advantage of the scheme’s free labour and those who take part struggle to look for paid work at the same time.