Internet provider TalkTalk is rolling out a new voucher scheme that gives jobseekers in Cumbria free access to high-quality broadband.

The programme, offered in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, aims to tackle digital exclusion and remove barriers to employment.

Jobseekers are offered a no-contract voucher for six months of TalkTalk’s Fibre35 broadband. The product’s usage is uncapped, meaning there are no data usage limits. At the end of the six-month period, customers can choose to roll onto a contract with TalkTalk, or can cancel the service and will incur no additional costs.

Jobcentres remained open to support the most vulnerable throughout the pandemic, many of the training and job support was moved online – making an internet connection more important.