CARERS are to get a helping hand if they want to get back to work as part of a new initiative by Wiltshire County Council.

As part of an ongoing initiative the council held a seminar on Thursday to raise awareness of the problems faced by those with the responsibility of caring for a loved one needing special attention.

Judy Seager, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "When you are a carer it can be extremely difficult to find employment or stay in a job because of caring responsibilities."

A recent survey carried out by Carers Voice, a panel of carers from across Wiltshire, found 40 per cent of carers were forced to reduce their hours or stop work completely when they started caring for someone.

The council has been designated as an EU co-financing organisation giving the county council access to £3.5m of European Social Fund (ESF) money.