A BRAND-NEW Wilko store and a Home Bargains are among some of the big names on the hunt for staff as unemployment rates among young adults continues to fall.

Wilko is due to open a new store at Greenbridge in June and management are currently looking to recruit between 40 and 50 staff members of staff, from managerial positions down to entry level roles.

Home Bargains are also planning to open a new store in June in Hobley Drive, Stratton St Margaret, and are currently recruiting up to 40 members of staff.

Julie Marshall, Swindon Job Centre Plus’ work coach manager, said the new jobs were a welcome addition to the town, as unemployment among 18 to 24-year-old continues to fall.

Since last month there are now 40 more young adults in employment, leaving just 150 in this age group claiming unemployment benefits. This is a decrease of eight per cent on the same period last year and a 70 per cent decrease on five years ago.

Swindon’s overall figures showed a five per cent increase in the number of people claiming benefits on last month, but Julie explained this was due to the roll-out of universal credit, which currently has 2110 claimants in the town, an increase of five per cent on last year - but a decrease of 58 per cent from five years ago.

In addition to the national retailers seeking staff, the Job Centre has also seen recruitment firms looking for hospitality staff to work at a town centre hotel due to reopen in the summer, Stagecoach who are seeking bus drivers, as well as security and care roles. A BT apprenticeship scheme as well as junior roles with GWR have proven popular.

She said: “Skill shortages continue to be experienced in the care and hospitality sectors and we have seen continued demand for internet grocery delivery drivers.”