LOCAL job centres in West Dunbartonshire helped two claimants into work after a combined period of 36 years on the dole.

Some of their recent successes, among older local claimants, includes Alistair Conkie, aged 56, and William Blake, aged 54, who'd both been unemployed for a combined total of 36 years.

In Alistair's case he was struggling to find work after 20 years.

However, after some work experience at the Village Rest in Luss, his employer realised his potential and he was taken on.

Alistair said: “There is plenty of help available in the jobcentre if you want to access it. I am delighted to now be back in work.”

And with William, who had been unemployed for 16 years, his work coach suggested work experience as a kitchen porter.

As a result William embarked upon then completed his placement and his employer, also at the Village Rest, was so impressed that he offered William a job.

And the success story continues as Dumbarton Jobcentre has been running a sector based work academy for local employer OPOS, in Meadowbank Street, which has also seen claimants taken on and return to the workplace.