According to the Department of Work and Pensions there is further good news for the people of Dumbarton.

The number of overall Job Seekers Allowance claimants has reduced to 438 down by 24 per cent from last year and is the lowest on record since November 2007.

A spokeswoman for DWP said it was ‘great news for the area.’ Youth employment is looking healthy as between the ages of 18-24 there is only 30 long-term unemployed young people which has reduced by 14 per cent since last year. The amount of young people short term unemployed (under six months) is 65, down 46 per cent and the lowest on record for the area.

A DWP spokeswoman added: “This is great news for employment in Dumbarton, and there is a lot coming to area, with 90 jobs coming in the next couple of months. The jobs are mostly in the retail and hospitality sector and a call centre in Balloch.” The spokeswoman stated that she did not have the local figure for the amount of people that have has their benefits sanctioned, but claimed that even those sanctioned are still included on the JSA claimant numbers for the area.