DYWYFOR MEIRIONNYDD jobseekers can get free broadband for six months.

An initiative launched by TalkTalk and the UK government to tackle digital exclusion has been welcomed by Gwynedd politicians.

The new partnership with the government, Jobcentre Plus and TalkTalk is being rolled out nationwide. With no contract there is no obligation to continue after the six months is up.

MP Liz Saville Roberts, who has called on UK and Welsh Government to improve access to superfast broadband in Gwynedd, is urging jobseekers to take up this offer.

She said: “Searching for employment in a rural area like Dwyfor Meirionnydd comes with additional challenges. Accessing services like the job centre can often be a costly and difficult task.

“I welcome this new initiative to help jobseekers get online, and urge residents in Gwynedd to take up this offer. The importance of a connection to the internet, and the opportunities this opens up cannot be understated. This is an excellent scheme will allow those who would be otherwise excluded from the digital world to access a connection.”

She added: “Now working from home is commonplace, network providers and UK and Welsh governments should be mindful of the pressing need to improve connectivity and prioritise the roll-out of fibre broadband in rural and hard to reach communities.”

MS Mabon ap Gwynfor also welcomed the news and said: “Helping people into work should be a top priority for any government. As the work moves online, people seeking employment should not be at a disadvantage.

“This scheme should be fully rolled-out and adopted indefinitely by the UK government.”

If you’re out of work, ask your Jobcentre Plus work coach if you can apply.