A WAGE subsidy scheme supporting Copeland’s businesses and residents is being hailed a success. Copeland Work & Skills Partnership is incentivising employers to take on new recruits with the support of a wage subsidy. Eighty-two per cent of businesses involved have retained staff originally taken on as part of the 26-week programme that is run exclusively in Copeland. Supported by DWP and Cumbria County Council’s Community Learning and Skills team, the scheme - the latest phase of the Copeland Work & Skills Programme run by Copeland Council - offers a contribution of up to £2,500 towards wage and training costs of taking on a new recruit.