Almost £2m of EU money will be used to help get unemployed people in Dundee back into work.

The cash, from the European Social Fund, will be used to support the long-term unemployed, including those who have never had a job.

It will be used to help people gain new skills and improve confidence, as well as offering support fin overcoming personal challenges including debt, health and childcare difficulties.

The approval of the fund was announced by Dundee City Council and the Dundee Partnership.

Will Dawson, convener of the council's city development committee, said: "I am delighted that we have been successful in attracting EU funds, which, alongside the backing Dundee City Council and our partners in the city already provide, will allow organisations to provide the resources, expertise, time and support that many unemployed people who are looking to find jobs in the city want.

"I want to ensure that this funding can be used to benefit as many people as possible and help them to take new opportunities to make a better future for themselves."

The cash will be used to fund organisations to work together in the Dundee Employability Pipeline, to offer unemployed people the help they need from a range of different services which also include work experience, qualifications and interviews with local employers.

The Scottish Government is the managing authority for the European Structural Funds 2014 to 2020 Programme.

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