SWINDON Jobcentre helped nearly 800 people into work in the final quarter of past year a 60 per cent increase on the previous year.

The Jobcentre, in Clarence Street, found work for 797 people from October to December 2003.

In the same period in 2002 it found jobs for 508 people.

Debbie Johnson, a spokeswoman for the Department of Work and Pensions, said: "This represents a clear upturn in the success of Jobcentre Plus to provide

support to customers seeking a range of employment opportunities.

"Swindon and Wiltshire is one of the most successful Jobcentre Plus

districts in the South West at supporting clients into work."

As reported in the Advertiser, staff at the Jobcentre and the social security office in Princes Street are currently voting on strike action after receiving what they believe to be a "derisory" below-inflation pay increase last month.