A MILLION pounds is to be invested in Wirral aimed at improving health and employment prospects.

The cash has come from the Department of Communities and will fund a pilot scheme with a specific focus on Birkenhead.

The council put in a bid for “Transformational Challenge Award” money to tackle health-related unemployment in the town.

In some areas more than a third of the working age population in 2013 claimed health-related benefits, according to Department of Work and Pensions figures.

Council leader Phil Davies said: “The issue of health inequalities is very real in Wirral, and it is something we are determined to address.

“The evidence states that being born in a particular area is a huge determining factor on your health and wellbeing and employment prospects, and this is another unacceptable example of the aspects of inequality that exists in parts of Wirral, and which we are absolutely committed to removing.

“This pilot project is a bold step towards improving health outcomes for residents and better targeting public sector resources.”