Pictured above: Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White discussed employment issues when he visited Pertemps People Development Group's offices in Leamington. The Conservative MP is pictured meeting former teacher Sue Barton who has recently joined the PPDG team

Warwickshire MP Chris White discussed new and innovative ways of tackling unemployment when he met jobseekers and employment experts during a fact-finding visit.

The Conservative MP for Warwick and Leamington heard first-hand the difficulties facing local unemployed people who are searching for work and learned more about the wide range of support initiatives that are available.

Employment experts Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) welcomed Mr White to its offices at Bath Place Community Centre, the Old Library, York Road.

Speaking after the visit, Mr White said: "I was delighted to visit Pertemps People Development Group to see first-hand the work that they are doing to help people get back to work. 

"It is essential that, as a society, we give people the best chance to get back into the workplace - whether that be by gaining confidence, learning new skills or exploring new and different job opportunities - and it is clear that Pertemps are providing an excellent service to local people."

Mr White was welcomed by Gareth Edwards, PPDG managing director, and Glenys Crombie, site manager for PPDG's offices in Leamington Spa, Rugby and Stratford-upon-Avon. Discussions also focused on Prime Minister David Cameron's Big Society plan. Its aims include giving communities more power, supporting social enterprises, unleashing entrepreneurial spirit, and providing more help for the poorest families.

During the visit Mr White spoke to jobseeker Penny Lloyd, aged 22, from Sydenham, who was unemployed for 13 months before beginning a work placement with PPDG at the Leamington office.

Penny has completed a NVQ Level 2 in childcare and is studying to become a teaching assistant. Under the Government-funded Work Focused Training initiative, she is enjoying a period of work experience at PPDG's Leamington office.

She said: "My experience at PPDG has been a very positive one. When I first started I was really shy but I have become a lot more confident. It is going really well and I have learned a lot. It was great to be able to meet Mr White and tell him how I have benefited from the support available to jobseekers."

Local jobseekers have already used their time with PPDG wisely, planning events to raise funds for three charities and performing a garden makeover. A group of new clients are busy organising a quiz night to support a two-year-old from the town with a rare condition who needs a wheelchair.

PPDG has helped more than 100,000 people in Warwickshire and across the Midlands end their unemployment ordeals by either clinching new jobs with local companies or launching their own businesses. PPDG delivers Government-funded initiatives such as Flexible New Deal (FND) and Work Focused Training in the region.

PPDG delivers the Government's Welfare to Work strategy across the Midlands through Flexible New Deal, Work Focused Training, ESF projects and other employment initiatives. PPDG is using its vast experience of helping long-term unemployed people get back into work to help local jobseekers secure employment opportunities.

Its team of experienced employment experts works alongside jobseekers and local employers to match the most suitable applicants to the jobs that are available. Support for customers includes advice on CVs, improving interview techniques, increasing confidence, providing access to training and much more.