An average of more than 100 ex Longbridge workers have gained new jobs every week since the collapse of MG Rover in April, according to figures published today.

A total of 2,346 workers have been been found jobs with the help of the MG Rover Taskforce, which was set up within hours of the company going into administration in April.

Another 1,809 of the 6,000 who lost their livelihoods have booked onto training courses which will enable them to move into new careers.

The vast majority of the apprentices working at Longbridge have also been helped by the taskforce, which is led by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands with help from the Learning and Skills Council, Jobcentre Plus and local authorities.

Of 87 apprentices training at Longbridge in April, 74 have now been found alternative placements with the Engineering Employers Federation working to finding places for the remaining 13.

Meanwhile the Wage Replacement Scheme, set up to tide over firms in the supply chain who were affected by the closure, has safeguarded some 2,983 jobs at 164 companies.

The scheme offers £50 per employer per day for up to six weeks and has paid out £3.23 million to companies across the UK.

Nick Paul, chairman of Advantage West Midlands and the MG Rover Task Force, said: "I am delighted to see that excellent progress is being made with getting those people affected by the closure of MG Rover.

"Credit really is due to everybody who has put so much effort towards supporting the companies and people who were rocked by what happened in April.

"With more than 2,000 of the workforce back in employment and a large number deciding to pursue fresh careers, we are in a position to look at other areas, such as encouraging former workers to start up new businesses.

"Our partners at Mustard have already started this process and we hope to see the skills honed at Longbridge transferred into other parts of the West Midlands economy.

"The West Midlands has fought back well in a relatively short period of time and we have every reason to be optimistic."

A report published in July suggested the impact had not been as bad as initially feared, largely due to the efforts by Advantage West Midlands, partners and businesses to diversify into new markets and processes.