NEW jobs may soon be created in Colchester after grants worth £75,000 were given to businesses who help get people into work.

The Enterprise, Skills and Employment Grant, has been increased by £33,000 this year by Colchester Council.

It has been split between four organisations dedicating to finding jobs and improving the skills of potential employees.

Signpost, employment advisers in Colchester and Tendring, received £40,715.

The cash will allow it to continue offering its free service, offering one-to-one help, including CV writing and job searching.

Sara Kulikowski, centre manager, said: “Getting your CV right is really important in getting back to work.

“It will be great to have that money to deliver what we do.

“We get so many people through the door, between 30 and 40 a month.”

The money will help replace some lost funding, allowing them to continue the good work.

Colchester Business Enterprise Agency, known as Colbea, has been given £19,500, which it will use to run a start-up business advice service and a women-only support programme.

This is the most they have ever received from the council.

Bob Baggalley, chief executive, said: “It is an enormous lift for us. It is tremendous news.

“We’re seeing a large number of start-ups. This is going to help them achieve what they want to and secure new jobs for the area.”

GO4 Enterprises, which provides employment and training opportunities to people not in education, employment or training has been awarded £12,485.

Inclusively Digital, which offers technology training to people with a disability, has a grant of £2,800.

Bill Frame, councillor responsible for economic development at Colchester Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide this funding to these very deserving local organisations.

“They give local people the chance to develop and improve their skills, which is necessary to remain competitive in the job market.”