A new initiative to measure and combat the economic impact which the current outbreak of foot and mouth disease is having on individuals is being introduced by the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network (HIE).

The development agency aims to compile a detailed skills database, listing people in the area who may have lost a job or missed out on an employment opportunity as a direct result of the outbreak.

The database will be used both to register the impact foot and mouth is having on local people as well as businesses and to offer those who are seeking work practical help with finding new training opportunities.

Even though the area north of the Forth-Clyde line remains free of the disease itself, workers and job-seekers in several sectors have been affected.

Although tourism and agriculture are the industries which have been hit hardest, people working in other sectors, including hospitality, leisure and retail, have also experienced loss of trade.

Now HIE is using extra funding announced last month by the Scottish Executive to set up a freephone helpline which can be used by anyone who has lost or been denied work because of the outbreak.

The number to dial is 0800 0856 227 and lines are open now.

Calls will be answered from 9.00 am until 5.30 pm, Monday to Thursday and 9.00 am until 5.00 pm on Fridays. An answering service is available at other times.

The new service, which is being run on HIE's behalf by Inverness-based Global Highland Management Services, has been modelled on an earlier successful exercise which HIE and Global set up to assist redundant oil fabrication workers.

Callers' details will be entered into a database which will be used to match individuals with suitable training opportunities, enabling them to learn new skills, or upgrade existing ones to help find other employment.

will also be offered in how to search for a job, create a CV and perform well at interview.

Some cases are expected to be passed on to other support agencies, including the Employment Service and Careers Service, for further practical help.

The skills database is just one of a series of emergency measures being taken by HIE to fight the effects of foot and mouth on the Highlands and Islands economy.

Earlier this month, the agency announced a list of measures designed to help local businesses to cut overheads and maintain cash flow until business levels recover.

Actions being delivered across the area by the network of Local Enterprise Companies, include easy and affordable access to expert financial advice, efforts to help people find alternative employment opportunities and a sympathetic approach to rent and loan payments.