A DAD who defied the economic downturn to start a successful small business has been praised by a government minister.

David Stafford, 37, of Baines Avenue, Irlam, Salford, lost his £18,000-a-year job when Trafford Park Bakery was closed by owners Northern Foods.

But, after getting a re-training grant from his local Jobcentre, Mr Stafford set up his own driving school, Irlam Baines, and has high hopes of expanding the fledging business.

Mr Stafford met Beverley Hughes, children's minister and minister for the north west, after a meeting of the Joint Economic Commission, which she set up to help the unemployed last November. She urged others to follow his example by taking full advantage of Jobcentre Plus services.

Qualified

Mr Stafford, a father of three, was among 690 people laid off when the bakery, which supplied Tesco, closed weeks before Christmas 2006.

He said: "Two weeks into a driving instructors' course the Jobcentre said they would cover the £3,500 cost. After a year I was qualified and I spent 16 months working for a school before I left to set up my own.

"I have found something I'm really good at and I'm getting loads of recommendations, as well as teaching lads from the football team I coach. I put my redundancy money into the business which, despite the credit crunch, has grown to 30 pupils. I'm now looking to take on other instructors and get funding which the government is offering employers who help get people back into work."

The Joint Economic Commission includes public and private sector employers, voluntary sector representatives and trade unions and organisations.

It aims to create work by stimulating projects, like major constructions sites where work has stalled, with short-term loans.

A new further education college in Bolton is one project marked out for support.

Misfortune

Ms Hughes, who is also MP for Stretford and Urmston, said: "I was delighted to meet David Stafford, who had the misfortune of being made redundant, but benefited from the help, advice and funding from Jobcentre Plus to fulfil his ambition of setting up as a self-employed driving instructor.

"The Jobcentre's rapid response service helps people affected by redundancy back into work by identifying the skills people have and putting in place specific training with the possibility of financial support.

"Funding has been doubled for the region from £3m to £6m because we know the importance of getting people back into work quickly.

"From April the government is guaranteeing extra support for people who have been out of work for more than six months including up to £2,500 for employers for every person they recruit and train."

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