Dole queue shrinks due to a lorry load of jobs
The dole queue in Renfrewshire has shrunk by a third as hundreds of jobs are being snapped up locally.
The giant dip is revealed in the latest quarterly figures.
It means that 2,512 less people are claiming jobless benefits than at the same time last year.
The total now stands at 5,082, a reduction from 7,594.
That 33 per cent fall is ahead of the 29 per cent fall nationally in Scotland.
The stunning result comes after a fall to 6,045 in the previous quarter.
Now Renfrewshire JobCentre management are trying to make more of an impact on numbers by backing a recruitment drive led by one of the area’s most well-known businesses.
Linwood-based WH Malcolm trucking group is desperate for new lorry drivers as the national shortage bites.
Joanne Gallacher, the Department of Work and Pensions employer and partnership manager for Renfrewshire, confirmed they were assisting in the Malcolm campaign by encouraging young drivers.
She said: “We are developing a new large-scale support offer, targeted at those who are out of work for longer periods and in need of support.
“We are working with our partners at Invest in Renfrewshire to support WH Malcolm to train and recruit 21 to 24 year-olds.
“They will be Renfrewshire residents and they will become
LGV drivers for the haulier.”
Dozens of new jobs have been posted at https://renfrewshire portal.hanlonsonline.co.uk
Among the roles on offer via Paisley Jobcentre are warehouse and packers positions, either full or part time.
The DWP also say a large recruitment campaign is ongoing for Scottish Government and the Civil Service.
Paisley Jobcentre is now open for appointments on Saturdays and Renfrewshire employers have also been welcomed back into the offices for face-to-face meetings.
The focus is on supporting 16 to 24 year olds to submit applications for the Kick Start scheme.
For more details, employers can email renfrewshireeas.eas@dwp. gov.uk
Joanne Gallacher