JOBSEEKERS were queuing up even before a careers fair opened at Greenock Town Hall.

A variety of employers were there, representing the care sector, building trade, engineering and marine industries, Inverclyde Council, colleges and universities, the emergency services and Community Development Trust.

Ronnie Cowan MP launched the fair, organised in conjunction with the council, trust, Jobcentre Plus and Skills Development Scotland, and he was delighted by the response.

He told the Telegraph: "There are people looking for their first job or to change their job and everyone who gets an opportunity today will be living in here and contributing to our community.

"We have employers here who actively have positions to be filled.

"The response shows that people are actively looking for work and it is so important for people's wellbeing, both mentally and physically.

"It is good for the local community and important to keep people living here.

"We contacted several companies and all the companies were really keen to come along."

Mr Cowan believes the area needs to diversify in the labour market and move from being reliant on big organisations and have more smaller companies offering positions.

The MP said: "We need to diversify, that's the type of employment we are looking for, so we can build a resilience on the market place.

"We cannot leave ourselves open to the whims of multi-nationals who close their doors on a whim."

Nadine McLeod, 31, was one of the jobhunters at the fair.

She said: "I thought this was a good chance to find out more about jobs. I did childcare in college and want to work in the care sector. I like working with people."

Graduate Matthew Crawford, 24, is searching for a full time position in finance or quality surveying.

He said: "I graduated in November 2021 in prosethics and orthotics - it's very niche so it's been difficult to get a job and I decided to come along to see what was available."

Carol Montgomery, employability service with Inverclyde Community Development Trust, said: "We have had a fabulous response.

"We have been very busy with people coming along early in the morning to improve their opportunities."

Councillor Paul Cassidy, the local authority's vice-chair of environment and regeneration committee, was impressed by the success of the fair.

He said: "It is a great example of partnership working, with local employers and various organisations offering their next employment opportunity."

Councillor Elizabeth Roberston, chair of the Inverclyde Alliance community planning partnership board, said: "There was a queue outside which shows people are looking for work.

"Events like this show what is available in the local area and give people a chance to talk to people about the job, not just reply to an advert."