Employment bosses will offer help to anyone affected by potential job losses at Michelin’s plant in Dundee.
Jane McEwen, work services manager with the Jobcentre in the Wellgate, remained positive about the city’s job prospects despite claimant count figures coming a day after the French tyre manufacturer’s shock announcement.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show 4,530 claimants of out of work benefits for August this year compared with 4,480 in July. 1,005 of the claimants are aged between 18-24.
But Ms McEwen said: “We are remaining proactive in trying to find people work.
“This could involve support for finances, training, job hunting, advice for benefits – whatever the client needs.”
Ms McEwen said the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (Pace) initiative, which involves partners including the council, Skills Development Scotland and local colleges, would provide support for anyone who could be affected by redundancies.
She added that as the situation progresses, Pace members may attend Michelin for discussions with those affected.
Ms McEwen also cited proactive work being carried out with employers in the city.
She said: “Staff from TJ Hughes will be in the Jobcentre this Friday, between 2-4pm. They are offering in-house interviews for people looking to get into retail. And on September 25 recruiters from Tesco are running a work academy for 18 to 24-year-olds.
“This will give people one week’s training at college, and then a week in a Tesco store. All those who complete the course will be offered an interview.
“The knock-on effect of the V&A will hopefully see an increase in hospitality roles.”