Customers are the focus of new back-to-work scheme

UNEMPLOYED Islanders are being given the chance to develop skills in the hospitality and retail industries in a bid to get them back to work.

A six-week course starts next month and will include training on everything from customer service, sales and communication skills to self-development and confidence building.

The Advance to Retail and Hospitality course, which is being funded by fiscal stimulus money, starts on 18 April and will include a three-week work placement.

Last month, new figures revealed that unemployment had hit a record high with at least 1,390 Islanders out of work, including 320 teenagers. (from JEP)