JOBCENTRE Plus held 11 jobs fairs across Dumfries and Galloway last year concentrating on youths, resulting in a decrease in claiming Universal Credit.
The fairs have actual vacancies to apply for there and then – speeding up the vacancy fill rate.
Jobcentres in the region have been undertaking a campaign to focus on volunteering as a driver towards employment, helping people to build confidence and learn new skills.
Working with Third Sector organisations, more than 20 people have taken up new opportunities in charity work, retail, hospitality and administration, among other areas.
The first two dates have also been set for ‘open doors’ recruitment events in 2025, working in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
The first two events will be held at The Bridge in Dumfries on February 6 and April 28. They will feature employers with live vacancies across a range of sectors, although their will be a spotlight on seasonal hospitality recruitment in the early part of 2025.
Local Jobcentres will also be working closely with council roads and ‘streetscene’ teams to recruit for their 2025 vacancies.
Secretary of state for Scotland Ian Murray, said: “Everyone deserves the security and opportunity of a well-paid job.
“Our plan to get Britain working will tackle inactivity, which is vital to unlocking economic growth.
“We’re giving our JobCentres the biggest overhaul in a generation and we’re making work pay by increasing the National Living Wage which will mean an increase of £1400 a year from April for hundreds of thousands of full-time workers in Scotland.
“We are delivering our plan for change with investment and reform to deliver growth, put more money in people’s pockets and to rebuild Britain.”
