An information day is to be held on Thursday 3rd November in the Haroldswick Hall for anyone affected by the closure of the RAF base at Saxa Vord.

This information day is part of the government's PACE initiative which involves the local enterprise company and other public sector partners working closely to offer those affected access to a range of practical help in finding new work or training opportunities.

The various organisations represented will include Shetland Enterprise, Careers Scotland, Jobcentre Plus, Citizens Advice Bureau, Support Training, Shetland College, Train Shetland and Initiative at the Edge who will be on hand to provide people with direct access to information and advice on their rights, training and education courses and assistance they may be able to claim.

There will also be a final chance for anyone who has not yet completed their North Isles skills audit questionnaire as Jana Hutt from Glenarder Limited will be available to provide help and assistance.

The day will be split into two sessions.  From 11am until 1pm the hall will be open to people directly employed by the Ministry of Defence.  From 1.30pm to 3.30pm the hall will be open for anyone else from Unst and also Yell and Fetlar who wishes to come along and discuss any issues arising from the announced closure.

Shetland Enterprise chief Executive, Ann Black, said: "Progressing the PACE initiative and dealing directly with those affected is our first priority.
As this moves forward, we along with our other partners and the Unst Response Team, are also looking to the future to produce a longer term strategic plan for the area."

For anyone who cannot make it to the information day or who want one-to-one confidential advice, they should in the first instance contact Careers Scotland on 01595 695791.

Careers Scotland provides guidance to people of all ages (with no upper age limit).