A NEW project that aims to help women from ethnic minorities into work has been given a £100,000 boost.

Teaching English is basis of The Bridges Programmes' Women into Sustainable Employment project along with work experience.

The programme supports refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and anyone for whom English is a second language, living in Glasgow.

The government say it will boost the economy by increasing numbers in the labour market.

Maggie Lennon, founder and director of the Bridges Programmes said: "We are delighted that the Scottish Government is funding what we know to be a successful and practical way of getting black and minority ethnic women into work.

"The key to the approach is working closely with employers at every stage, to ensure that the training is relevant to their needs as well as the women."

Careers such as bio-science, early year's education, tourism and hospitality and customer service are some of the jobs that the women will be encouraged to pursue.

The Bridges Programmes' have now entered into partnership with Dundee International Women's Centre in order to bring the programme to Dundee as well as Glasgow.

Annabelle Ewing, Minister for Youth and Women's Employment said: "Research has consistently shown us that women from black and ethnic minority groups face many barriers to work and are particularly under-represented in Scotland's labour market.

"This course is aimed at precisely that group of women and I am very pleased that the Scottish Government is able to fund the programme in two of Scotland's cities to help improve their employability."

"The programme is committed to reducing inequality in Scotland and strengthening the economy along with helping minority ethnic women take their place in the workplace."