A £5m package is being offered to former MG Rover workers in an effort to encourage them to take up new jobs in manufacturing.

The money, put forward by Advantage West Midlands (AWM) and the Learning and Skills Council, will include practical incentives to keep skilled people in the industry.

Employers who take on MG Rover staff will also be rewarded. The service, which will start on Monday, includes:

l A travel subsidy of up to £75 per week for up to 20 weeks .

l Entitlement to courses to a minimum of NVQ 2 (or equivalent) in a relevant manufacturing skill.

l Employers who take on former MG Rover staff will receive all skills costs in full along with free training of an additional employee to NVQ 3

l A wage subsidy of £50 per week for 12 weeks for bosses who recruit former MG Rover staff

Job Centre Plus is running a hotline for companies who have vacancies suitable for ex-MG Rover workers on 0121 4525453.