Jobseekers were joined by the shadow employment minister on a course aiming to help them leave long term unemployment.
Stephen Timms, who is also the member of parliament for East Ham, attended Newham College’s Refocus Me programme to speak to participants who are referred to the course by Jobcentre Plus.
He said: “I was impressed with how engaged the clients were.
“I’m also impressed that funds from one government agency aimed at developing skills are being used by another part of government that supports unemployed people.”
The two-week course is delivered to around 200 jobseekers who have experienced at least two years of unemployment each month.
It includes creative group sessions, social media advice and interview skills.
Head of Newham College’s centre for innovation and partnerships Julia Bollam said: “We were pleased to explain to Mr Timms that we’ve taken on a big task but an important task. As a further education college, we can make a difference to people who could otherwise be lost to long-term unemployment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here