More than 650 people are registered jobless in Jersey

The scheme, called 'The U-programme', offers unemployed people on the island computer training and teaches them how to improve their applications and interviews.

The training programme, which is launched on Wednesday, is a joint project between the Training and Employment Partnership, Social Security and Highlands College.

Job seekers will be given free training designed to improve their chances of finding work.

When they do find a job, the employer will have to agree to them completing the course.

We are trying to help individuals to get first in the queue and be more successful in applying in the future Sean Pritchard, scheme director

Companies taking on one of the first 160 candidates will get a �500 grant if the employee stays with them for more than a month.

Increasingly difficult

Unemployment is rising in Jersey, with 674 registered jobless in December, compared to 642 the previous month.

The scheme aims to get more people back in work, even if it is in sectors they have not worked in before.

Scheme director Sean Pritchard said some people needed extra help to get a new job.

"Changes in the job market have made it more difficult for individuals to actually compete and find employment.

"We are trying to help individuals to get first in the queue and be more successful in applying in the future.

"There are jobs there, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for job seekers to secure those positions."