AN East Cornwall-based company has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of its achievements in staff development and employability skills.

The programme aims to provide job opportunities and has had a progression rate of more than 70% over the last year, giving full-time employment to people previously unemployed.

Tamar Foods partnered with The Employment Academy, a social enterprise, and has worked with 70 individuals giving them opportunities to work with both Tamar Foods and other local employers. It has now been shortlisted by research charity, IGD, formed by the Institute of Certificated Grocers and the Institute of Food Distribution.

The programme has had successful results including one 23 year old man with chronic ADHD, who had been unemployed for over four years, and now works full-time for Tamar Foods and is said to be becoming an increasingly valuable member of the team.

Demand for the programme is growing with more than 40 people forecast to be enrolled on the next cohort and The Employment Academy aiming to secure a similar progression rate.

If this is achieved it will be the largest ongoing 'Welfare to Work' initiative in Cornwall.

Last year's award winners include MacSweens of Edinburgh, the Co-operative Group, Mondelez International and Nestlé UK and Ireland.

Winners will be honoured at the awards ceremony, hosted by television and radio presenter Gabby Logan, on October 8.