Jobless total rises slightly but still well down on 2013

Jim Mulholland, regional senior partnership manager for the Department of Work and Pensions, said targeted training programmes had helped local people find jobs.

Mr Mulholland said a series of programmes offered in partnership with the NHS, council, Borders College and Skills Development Scotland (SDS) in the care sector had proved successful.

Courses in other sectors have also proved effective, with an emphasis on ensuring training is linked to employers that are recruiting.

Mr Mulholland added: “There is particularly strong demand from the contact centre sector at present.

“Employers are looking to fill their vacancies as quickly as possible and we are continuing to support them with this by matching claimants to their vacancies and working in partnership with other agencies, including the college and SDS to ensure appropriate training opportunities are in place.”