THOUSANDS of long-term unemployed have been helped into work by a leading Glasgow organisation.

Jobs and Business Glasgow, which was previously known as Glasgow's Regeneration Agency, has provided employment advice to almost 16,250 people in the past year.

Around 2830 have been helped to find work, 630 to set up their own business and almost 2600 to gain qualifications.

The agency marked the achievements of some of its outstanding clients at an awards ceremony in the City Chambers.

Awards went to seven people who have been helped into jobs, training and volunteering.

They include Catherine O'Halloran, who picked up the Inspiring Learner Of The Year Award; Donald Jasper, who was presented with the Furthest Progress Award; Janette Gray, who gained the Jobs Success Award; Happy Makuse, who was named Achiever Of The Year; and Mary McLearnon, who got the Client Of The Year award.

Four organisations were presented with partner achievement awards.

They were Blue Triangle Housing Association, which helps the homeless; Community Safety Glasgow, which has helped 70 young people find work; Clyde Gateway, which has been encouraging local people to take part in employment programmes; and construction consortium City Legacy, which has made jobs, training and work placements available to local people.

Specialist contractor Astins, restaurant chain TGI Friday, McTaggart Construction and Tesco Silverburn were all presented with employer awards.

Jobs and Business Glasgow chairman Jonathan Findlay said: "We are committed not only to helping our clients find work but also to ensuring they have the skills and the resilience to remain in employment and to progress further in the workplace.

"We believe it is vital our clients' journeys don't end when they start employment.

"In the past 11 months we have supported 844 young people into work, which is 39% ahead of target, helped to create 771 jobs in the city, which is 84% ahead of target, and helped 630 people to set up in business which us 92% ahead of target."