UNEMPLOYMENT in Medway could be reduced thanks to the launch of a £500,000 council scheme.

The Reignite project aims to match unemployed residents with suitable jobs and find low earners better paid positions.

Courses designed to help people find work will be delivered in five areas where unemployment levels are high: All Saints, Chatham; Twydall, Gillingham; Melville, Gillingham; Brompton, Gillingham and Strood South.

The scheme will be officially launched by Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for strategic development and economic growth, this afternoon. She will be unveiling a 30ft banner outside Debenhams in Chatham High Street.

Thanks to funding from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and the EU, Medway Council will be running the scheme until March 2008.

For information about the Reignite project call Medway Council on 01634 333333 or e-mail srandea @medway.gov.uk