ABOUT 180 of Barnsley's long term unemployed turned up to work on Monday as the Future Jobs Fund came into action.
Former drug user Joanne Robinson, 28, of Kelsey Terrace, has not worked for six years but is now working as an engagement support worker for the council.
She said: "I'm absolutely over the moon. I've been clean for four years now. I've turned my life around and I'm motivated myself to get back into work.
"It's just been very hard to find a job. You always get tarred with the same brush if you're an ex-offender, or an ex-drug user. That's why this fund is so good for people like me.
"I'm going to try and get my foot back on the ladder and get myself back to work. It is a bit daunting, going back after so long.
"I hope to come out with some more qualifications and experience behind me and then hopefully find some permanent work the end of it.
"They always say it's easier to find a job once you're in a job and unfortunately that's true."
The scheme will create 600 jobs in Barnsley over the next two years. Salaries, all about £12,000 a year, will be paid for roughly half by the government and half by their employers, which include the council, Berneslai Homes, NHS Barnsley, Barnsley Hospital, the Fire Service, Barnsley Community Build and Job Centre Plus.
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