GLASGOW is leading the way in helping blind and partially sighted people find jobs.

City councillors have agreed to fund a two-year project working alongside the Royal National Institute for the Blind, Job Centre Plus and Careers Scotland.

Focus on Employability will provide specialist training and guidance to mainstream employment services and individuals on incapacity benefit who have been out of work for three years or more.

Employers will be helped to identify potential job opportunities for people with sight loss.

John Legg of RNIB Scotland said: "Glasgow City Council will be the first local authority in the UK to fund specialist services targeted at reducing numbers of unemployed blind and partially sighted people.

"RNIB Scotland will help with training events, work placements, advice for recruitment and human resources staff and making information accessible."

The project will also consider using the Centre for Sensory Impaired People in Partick to provide offices or work spaces for people who wish to start up their own business.

Glasgow has around 1300 people aged under 65 who are registered as blind or partially sighted.

Up to 75% are of working age but are not in paid work - a figure which has not improved in a decade.

Mr Legg added: "We hope to show blind and partially sighted people can make a real contribution and they need not be condemned to a life of subsistence benefits and social exclusion."