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Accessing Employment and Learning in Dorset

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We were appointed in July 2004 by the Dorset Action for Rural Transport (DART) partnership, which includes representatives from Dorset County Council, district councils, Job Centre Plus, the Countryside Agency, and a wide range of partners from voluntary, statutory, and private sector organisations. The study involved analysis of travel patterns in the County, extensive consultation through surveys of businesses, residents, jobseekers, and other stakeholders, and a review of good practice elsewhere in the UK. We identified key travel needs and a range of possible solutions, which led to the development of a strategy for improved access to key business parks and industrial estates across Dorset, as well as to job centres and colleges. The strategy comprises a range of measures such as introducing or expanding employer travel plans at key sites, improving public transport links from market towns such as Shaftesbury and Gillingham, expansion of the successful 'wheels to work' scooter schemes, and better support for job seekers to access interviews and job opportunities. The strategy will be implemented by DART in association with the County Council and a wide range of stakeholders.