Unemployed single parents are claiming free clothes, haircuts, manicures and facials on a new government scheme.
The handouts, which include a budget of £75 for new outfits and £20 towards beauty treatments, are part of a project aiming to get out-of-work people back into jobs.
Course leaders said the 26-week programme in Nottingham, which includes 16 hours a week in the classroom, aimed to build lone parents' confidence and give them a smarter image for work interviews.
It is one of six trial schemes being run across the country, funded by the Government's Innovation Fund at the Job Centre.
As part of the course, the 16 Nottingham pupils have been given vouchers to spend on clothes and further money for new hairstyles, or to have manicures and facials.
Project manager Rebecca Bakewell said: "The course is about rebuilding confidence and self-belief and the makeovers are an important part of it.
"By getting the new clothes, we can get the people to think of themselves as an individual and not just a single parent."
The course, Cloud 9, also offers free childcare while the male and female pupils attend training sessions.
Ms Bakewell said: "We also offer the students training on interview techniques, advice on writing a CV and work experience placements."
Tuesday August 19, 2003
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