Jobseeker numbers decline
The number of jobseekers claiming benefits across Argyll and Bute has dropped by three per cent from this time last year.
Marks & Spencer, opening a foodhall in Oban next month, will be one of the town’s newest employers and is recruiting 40 workers.
The store has been working with the Jobcentre as part of the process.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: ‘We are still working with Marks & Spencer for their forthcoming store opening.
‘They are due back in the Jobcentre next week to interview for customer service staff.
‘They have recruited their management staff, but unfortunately none of our customers was successful.
‘However, I am hopeful that this will create an additional opportunity to fill the posts that have been created by job switchers leaving existing employers.’
According to government figures, the employment level in Scotland has risen by more than 200,000 since 2010 to 2.64 million, with 88,000 more women in work since 2010. Unemployment has fallen by 100,000 since 2010 to 118,000 out of work.