Up to 2,000 people in the county are set to receive free training to help them find new jobs online as part of a push to boost employment.

The scheme is being organised by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) in cooperation with digital training provider We Are Digital. Equipment and data will be given to participants where necessary.

It comes after latest figures from Ofcom reveal more than a million UK homes don’t have internet access, while 35% of the South East is either completely offline or has limited internet use.

SELEP chair Christian Brodie said: "By working with We Are Digital we are confident of reaching the right people and places in the South East. Our funds are targeted at the areas and residents that truly need this additional support the most, helping us stay on top of high growth levels that are being experienced in some sectors, especially digital."

Adds Matt Adam, chief executive at We Are Digital: "We know that job prospects are significantly higher for those with digital skills – a trend set off by the pandemic that is only set to continue.”

To sign up for free online training click here.

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