A Jobcentre link-up with Gloucestershire's top security company is paying dividends for jobseekers.

Steve Elton, from Archdeacon Court in Gloucester, was struggling to find a steady job until Glevum Security offered him the opportunity of a lifetime through an Employment Partnership.

The individual partnerships are a simple deal between Jobcentre Plus and employers where the Government gets long-term jobseekers ready for work, and employers with vacancies agree to give them a fair shot at the positions.

This is often done by agreeing measures such as guaranteed job interviews, work placements, mentoring, work trials, and reviewing recruitment processes to make them more inclusive.

Mr Elton said: "They have been absolutely amazing.

"They have both helped me get back into employment and all in all it has been a very positive experience."

The 55-year-old previously worked for RJA Security in Bridgend but left in 2004 to care for his wife who had fallen ill.

After a change in circumstances, he decided in 2006 to get back into the world of work, and signed up to New Deal, a programme that gives people on benefits the help and support they need to look for work, including training.

"I had no specific security qualifications, but I did have the experience," said Mr Elton.

"The New Deal advisor saw I had the experience and helped me no end."

Oscar Burrows, 65, from Bream, was unemployed for six months before he decided to visit the Jobcentre, who linked him up with Glevum Security too.

He said: "They were so helpful. If people are out of work, and are willing to work, then they should go to the Jobcentre."

Glevum Security work in Partnership with organisations such as Jobcentre Plus, Working Links, Sunrise Training and Prospect Training.

Derek Martin HR and training manager at Glevum, said: "We are proud of the partnership with have had with Jobcentre Plus since our company first began.

"We have employed many individuals through this relationship over the last nine years and Oscar Burrows was our first employee through New Deal with the Jobcentre."

When Local Employment Partners agree to work with Jobcentre Plus they are helping to ensure people not only find sustained employment but also have opportunities to develop their skills.

In Gloucestershire there are currently more than 550 employers working with Jobcentre Plus and they have helped almost 400 people back to work through Local Employment Partnerships.

Elaine Hourd, from Gloucester Jobcentre Plus said: "It's easy to become a Local Employment Partner just contact your local Jobcentre Plus office and ask to speak to the Labour Market Recruitment Adviser, who will be happy to expand on the benefits of partnership working."