EMPLOYMENT bosses believe the majority of the Scotlight staff who recently lost their jobs have already found alternative work.

The Innerleithen- and Peebles-based electrical firm unexpectedly closed last month with the loss of 28 jobs.

A multi-agency PACE - Partnership Action for Continuing Employment - event was held a fortnight ago in Peebles Community Centre to provide advice for the affected workforce.

Aileen McBrierty from Galashiels Jobcentre told us: "The Scotlight closure was a blow as nobody had any indication the company was in trouble.

"The good news is that many of the staff have now found alternative jobs and there are options for the ones who are still looking."

Figures released this week show that the Scottish Borders isn't experiencing the reductions in unemployment that the rest of the country witnessed during spring.

Across the Scottish Borders there were 1,140 people looking for work at the end of May - up 15 on last year.

The number of 18-to-24s out of work stood at 265 - down 15 on last year.

Across Scotland unemployment fell by 19,000 to 104,000 in the period March to May.

Ms McBrierty added: "Overall the employment picture for the Borders is looking quite good but overall the national situation is much better."

The claimant rate in the Borders is roughly in line with the UK average of 2.5 per cent.

Local MP John Lamont said: “In the Borders, the number of people claiming unemployment benefits remains stubbornly static and is roughly what it was last year.

"It’s also pretty much in line with the UK average, but I think the Borders should be doing better.

"Both the UK and Scottish Governments need to do more to bring jobs to the Borders."