Westminster Council is set to invest more than 1 million to help 3,000 of Londons unemployed back into work.

Council bosses announced today that, under a new Westminster Works initiative, the council will engage with the jobseekers to help them access training and long-term employment with a focus on deprived areas in the north of the borough.

The council will work directly with local employers to generate a range of opportunities from six-month job placements, increase the skills of those who are unemployed, organise two-week job trials and offer CV and interview workshops.

Addressing 100 London business leaders, council leader Colin Barrow said: "The months ahead will be tough for many people in the heart of London but we are committed to doing all we can to help thousands of residents to access training and find employment.

"Doing nothing is not an option. We recognise we have to be proactive in our attempts to protect residents, small businesses, voluntary organisations and the wider economy from the potential devastating impact of recession."

The council also plans to help thousands more people receive on-the-job training and work towards gaining recognised qualifications including NVQs, and intends to establish a London Apprentice Company to facilitate this.

It is hoped the scheme will create a range of opportunities in sectors such as logistics, transport, health, financial services, creative, culture, hospitality and leisure.

This is part of the council's 17-point city recovery programme to protect residents and small business during the downturn.