THE Chairman spearheading a steel jobs task force said that he is scouring Europe for funds that would help Teesside workers facing the axe find new employment.

The task force has already held its first meeting to discuss the fall out from the announcement, which could also see 1,200 TATA jobs go at Scunthorpe.

It is exploring various measures to help workers, including the possibility of re deploying them in other parts of Tata’s business.

Mr John Clugston chairman of Clugston Group was asked by Business Secretary Vince Cable to head the group after TATA Steel announced plans to axe 390 jobs on Teesside last month.

Mr Clugston said the group was also looking at pulling in UK and EU funds that could help some of the workers start their own business.

He said that “We are looking to help divert money to job-creating projects that could help people back into work. Our priority has to be sourcing the best possible outcome for the people affected. The task force is looking to harness economic potential in the region and we will work with any organisation that has any good ideas.”

(Sourced from www.nebusiness.co.uk)