THE drive to get more people from Dumbarton and the Vale back into work has started.

Unemployment in West Dunbartonshire is currently at 6.5 per cent - considerably higher than the 4.1 per cent national average - with 40 people chasing every job vacancy.

But last week the area's politicians insisted they were working flat out to get people back to work and siad action is being taken to build schools, which will create jobs, and to increase apprenticeships.

There is also hope of introducing an enterprise zone to encourage new business start-ups.

Since the summer West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) have recruited 108 apprentices and by mid November expect to recruit a further 25.

It takes the total to 166 apprentices - which is almost three times the figure of the 50-60 trainees recruited in previous years.

The council has also launched a new Jobspot website to act as a 'virtual' recruitment consultant and a new scheme called Working 4U to bring together employment support, training benefits, debt advice and adult learning services under one roof.

In addition a Job Investment and Growth Framework was approved to establish 1,000 new work opportunities by expanding apprentice schemes and providing training opportunities over the next five years.

Council leader Martin Rooney said: "This administration is committed to tackling unemployment in West Dunbartonshire, and we are determined to do everything we can to assist our residents to find work and training."

Jackie Baillie MSP, described the jobless figures as "deeply concerning".

She added: "The levers lie with the Scottish Government and the UK Government and we will leave no stone unturned in perusing them on this important matter."