SCOTRAIL are offering jobseekers free rail journeys in a bid to remove one of the "barriers" to getting back into work.

Those in search of employment would be eligible for two free return journeys a month, for travel to and from an interview.

And for the first month of a new job, the firm will also provide travel tickets for the first four weeks of a new job.

Scotrail have said the initiative would help boost the Scottish economy.

Alex Hynes, managing director of the firm, described the policy as one of his company's "best kept secrets".

He said the cost of travelling to an interview could be prohibitive for people on benefits trying to find a job.

He added: "By removing that barrier and providing help with the cost, we hope to be able to support people into work and grow Scotland's economy.

"The support we offer to jobseekers is one of the ScotRail Alliance's best kept secrets - but I want as many people as possible to know about this opportunity."

This scheme only applies to people who are registered with a jobcentre to find work.

Anyone looking for work can already get a 50 per cent discount on some rail tickets through the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card.