The decision to run a job club two days a week in the north of the island has been praised by the chairman of Ramsey Commissioners.

It was announced this week that the Job Centre is expanding its Job Club service to include twice weekly drop-in sessions at Ramsey Town Hall, starting on Tuesday, August 6.

The move is designed to make services more accessible to people outside Douglas and provide services where they’re needed, in collaboration with Ramsey Commissioners.

Chairman of the commissioners Andy Cowie told the Courier the local authority is ’delighted to be able to support this initiative, which devolves a useful central service to a local and accessible location’.

Mr Cowie added: ’This initiative will make access easier for our northern residents and help to lower the island’s carbon footprint by reducing unnecessary travel. The Job Club will complement other services already provided through the Ramsey Town Hall and Library.

’We look forward to being able to work closely with Government and other agencies to expand the range of services able to be delivered locally for Ramsey and the north without adding any additional burden to the ratepayer.

’Any initiative which helps people to find employment is a great benefit to society as a whole and bringing this service to a local community makes it more effective and accessible.’

While Job Club will continue to be held each week day in Douglas, Ramsey’s will take place upstairs at the Town Hall Library each Tuesday 1pm to 4pm and Thursday 9.30am to midday as well as 1pm to 4pm.

There is currently an average of 200 people using the Douglas club each month where those seeking work can be assisted with job searches, CV writing, interview preparation and can utilise the free postage for job applications and more.

Douglas Job Club is held Monday to Thursday at 9.15am to 4.45pm and Friday 9.15am to 4.15pm.