Door slammed on man’s training bid

Paul Gardner spent three and a half weeks doing a free training course to improve his job prospects — only to be told he couldn’t finish it because of a mix-up.

Free2Learn told him two days before he was due to sit his final exam he wasn’t eligible - because he wasn’t on benefits.

Former health and safety officer Mr Gardner (47) of Bowling Green Close, Chadderton was made redundant in May and receives New Enterprise Allowance, for unemployed people who set up their own business.

The father of two has launched Paul Gardener Health and Safety Solutions, but wanted a back-up in case it didn’t take off.

He enrolled on the Free2Learn course which helps unemployed people referred by Jobcentre Plus and other agencies.

Mr Gardener says staff at the jobcentre approved his application, which was also accepted by Free2Learn.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said staff simply confirmed that Mr Gardner received NEA. Free2Learn is available only to people receiving benefits, while NEA is an allowance.

He said: “I have wasted three and a half weeks for the sake of £220. It is just bureaucracy gone mad.

“I spoke to four different people at the jobcentre and every one of them had the same attitude. They weren’t helpful at all. The manager at Free2Learn did his best, but it is not down to him.”