BUSINESSES with employees aged 45 and over are being asked to volunteer to participate in a new 'Midlife MOT' programme.

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is encouraging businesses to take part in a pilot scheme which has been created to help middle-aged people evaluate their personal health, finance and skills.

The programme, backed by the government and funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, offers employers access to a free toolkit which will help them to review finances and the personal health and skills of their staff.

Businesses who sign up will be given access to a digital resource pack to help them promote the programme to their workforce. The pack includes links to support and advice from industry professionals and access to a series of webinars created by Dorset LEP.

Lorna Carver, director of Dorset LEP, said: "Our programme is taking place throughout April and early Mat/ We're looking for proactive Dorset businesses who appreciate how important it is to look after their employees to help us test out the Midlife MOT philosophy and toolkit.

"Small and medium sized businesses across Dorset don't often have the time or resources to offer their employees this kind of support. Through Dorset LEP's ready-made Midlife MOT package, we're hoping to provide a win-win for Dorset businesses and their midlife employees."

For more information, visit www.dorsetlep.co.uk/midlifemot