THE number of people on the dole in Oxfordshire has dropped by more than 2,000 as hundreds of seasonal jobs become available in the run-up to Christmas.

There are 3,305 people in the county claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, compared with 5,751 a year ago.

Most of the festive roles are in retail with Debenhams, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and TK Maxx among those with vacancies.

Argos is looking to fill 110 roles, split between its Botley Road, New Inn Hall Street in Oxford, Bicester, Banbury, Abingdon, Witney and Didcot branches.

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Diane McKenna-Rhead, of Jobcentre Plus Oxfordshire, said: “Many of the jobs are for three months, starting in October and finishing in January.

“Argos want to recruit 110 for customer service and warehouse roles and if these people are right for them, they will keep them permanently and most others have said the same thing.

“But even if young people go in for Christmas work and employers are not able to retain them, they can sell themselves better afterwards because they will have work experience and references.”

Ryan Harris, 20, from Headington, spent two weeks on Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) before starting as a customer service assistant at Co-op in Botley’s Westway shopping centre last week.

Before that, the former Oxford Academy pupil spent 11 months as a warehouse assistant at the temporary Cancer Research charity store in Botley Road.

After it closed, he found himself back at the Job Centre.

Staff sent him to the Co-op, as part of the Feeding Britian’s Future scheme, which gives young people work experience in shops and businesses connected with food.

He impressed store manager Alan Tidy enough to be taken on full time.

Mr Harris said: “I would say to anyone looking for work, hang on in there, because you will find a job, eventually. Full or part-time work is all good experience.”

Saburah Hussain, from Cowley, spent four months on JSA before landing a job in the same Co-op branch.

She said volunteering in her local Helen & Douglas House charity shop boosted her confidence.

The 20-year-old was offered work experience at Co-op, which led to a part-time job, which she combines with studying at Abingdon &Witney College.

She said: “I have only been here two weeks and customers know me already. After I finish my 13-week probation, I will have the chance to study for NVQs in retail.

“I want to progress further and plan to stay here for a long time.”

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