Published: Thursday, 18th March, 2010 6:00pm

Athlone FÁS job office open mornings only

by Deirdre Verney

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Amid a lengthening economic recession, close to 4,000 jobseekers in Athlone will have to concentrate their employment search efforts to the mornings, after FÁS confirmed reduced opening hours at their Employment Services office in Athlone.

Based at Belhavel, Goldenisland, the office, a one-stop-shop for those looking for a job or training options, will now only open to the public up to 1pm each day, a change that came in to effect last Monday, March 15.

The news, in the midst of a jobs crisis, is bound to spark anger locally.

The State training and employment body blamed a reduction in staff numbers, the current moratorium on public sector recruitment and the current 'work to rule' in operation across the public service for the reduced counter service in Athlone, although it stressed the service cuts in the town are a "temporary measure".

FÁS is currently looking at options to restore a full service in its Athlone base as a matter of priority, the statement went to say, pointing out that those out of work can avail of a a phone service from the office in the afternoons. Alternatively, clients can view details on the full range of FÁS services via its website www.fas.ie or by calling the FÁS Free phone Service 1800611116.

A full registration and guidance service is available from the other FÁS offices in the Midlands located in Mullingar, Tullamore and Longford, the statement concluded.