A nationwide scheme to help the long-term unemployed in remote areas of the country find work is being supported by Malaysian car manufacturer, Proton.

The company's direct sales subsidiary, Bristol-based Proton Direct has formed a partnership with Working Links to provide car-less job seekers with leased cars at discounted rates.

Proton driving job seekers will also be able to boost their income by taking part in Proton Direct's customer referral programme, launched last year to enable individuals, sports and social clubs and charities to earn commission by recommending Proton cars to friends and colleagues.

Under the new agreement Working Links has purchased a fleet of 10 1.3 litre Proton cars from Proton Direct in Bristol.

"The training we give to people taking part in our customer referral programme will help to boost their confidence and interpersonal skills," said Proton Direct's customer referral manager Ian Parker.