MORE than threequarters of working-aged people who live in East Renfrewshire have a job.

Latest labour market statistics show the number of the area's residents in employment is well above the national average.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures indicate that of the 56,500 people in the region who are aged between 16 and 64, close to 44,000 were in work during the survey's April 2015 to March 2016 analysis period.

In percentage terms, that means 75.5 per cent of East Renfrewshire's working population was employed over the last analytical year – a statistic that ensured the area continued a six-year-long trend of remaining above the national average which sat at 72.9 per cent.

There were 1,800 residents aged 16 or over who were out of work, 1.8 per cent less than Scotland's 5.7 per cent national average during this time.

The ONS statistics also show East Renfrewshire has a high proportion of residents aged either 16 or above who are currently in further education.

In total, there are 3,700 students – 30.3 percent – living in the region compared to Scotland's 24.8 per cent national average.

Out-of-work benefit claimant figures indicated that, as of November last year, 5,180 residents (9.2 per cent) made a claim while there was an average of 13.6 per cent of claims made in other areas of the country by working-aged Scots.

The new figures showed East Renfrewshire contributed towards to what was a near-record set of results for the country with 2.6 million Scottish citizens in work.

East Renfrewshire Council’s convener for Infrastructure and Sustainable Growth, councillor Tony Buchanan, said: "These figures are an indication of two things: the higher proportion of East Renfrewshire residents who are professionals, or work in associate professional occupations, than is the case in other parts of Scotland, and an intensive, coordinated effort by the council and its partners to help those in more disadvantaged areas access employment opportunities.

"In particular, we have recently launched a comprehensive employability strategy for the area and our Work East Ren team have forged strong relationships with local employers – both present and future – to ensure the skills of the local workforce are closely aligned with the needs of employers.

"Our involvement in City Deal, with major developments planned across the area including the recently completed Crossmill Industrial Units, should ensure sustained growth well into the future."

A notable example of the work which goes on in the region to help residents secure a job is evidenced by 18-year-old Craig Trench.

The Barrhead teenager went from being a Universal Credit customer with the Jobcentre Plus in Barrhead to landing an administration role with Glasgow Wood recycling in just three months.

It all started when Craig got involved with the Movement To Work voluntary initiative where he managed to gain a work experience placement with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in May.

Brian Fyles, a Jobcentre directorate, said: "Craig was a very helpful and pro-active member of staff and nothing was any bother. He thoroughly enjoyed interacting with members of the public and helping out at the IT suite and would be on hand for tasks the work coaches requested.

"He also volunteered when they were looking for staff to support the recruitment in DWP and Craig was selected for reception duties for two days, and then asked to do an additional day, which he gladly did."

Jobcentre Plus staff assisted Craig in brushing up his CV and arranged a series of mock interviews, all of which which helped him to secure his position with Glasgow Wood Recycling in mid-June.

Craig said: "My work experience with first class mentors helped me gain confidence and invaluable skills. It also gave me the opportunity to apply for full-time work which I took up after it ended."