A three-year plan to help the jobless return to work has been approved by Bradford Council.

The £6.3m Business and Enterprise Programme 2011-2014 replaces the Government’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) grant money which has ended after six years and has been used to help 310 residents a year into self-employment.

The new programme seeks to continue community-based enterprise coaching, to assist people into self-employment, and will support small and medium-sized businesses to create more sustainable employment in the district.

Funding comes mainly from the Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

Approving the strategy at a Council executive meeting, Council leader, Councillor Ian Greenwood said Bradford’s economy had strength to draw on, particularly in manufacturing.

“Clearly there are a number of challenges that face our community but clearly a number of opportunities and building sustainable jobs in the private sector is absolutely key for our future,” he said.