A prominent Largs businesswoman has voiced her concerns over the lack of applications for jobs available at a well-known garage after no applications were made during a six-month period.

Chris Boyd, of Waterside Motors, told the News that she has been astonished at the lack of interest in paid positions within her business despite many attempts to promote them.

In previous years, the positions would be filled up quickly with multiple applications but despite a thorough search around Ayrshire, she has been unable to fill any of the positions so far.

Chris said: "Despite many forms of advertising job vacancies in the local area, we have had no applicants for the positions offered.  

"We have been searching to fill two positions - a full-time mechanic and a Mot mechanic, and a motor trade experienced office staff - in publications including the Wee Paper, Greenock and Ardrossan and Saltcoats editions without a single response.

"Talking to other local business owners, there is a desperate need across all industry platforms for people to fill the vacancies e.g. health and beauty, plumbing, building and construction, waiting staff, fast food outlets, local retail establishments, to name a few. 

"Are people seriously just not interested in going to work when vacancies are numerous in the local area?

"Businesses will continue to fail and close down and the comments will very likely be 'Oh, that's a shame!'

"Jobs are only a phone call away, the jobs are there, wages are there offering good working conditions all are on offer but where are the workers?"

Asked to put her finger on the cause of the problem, Chris said: "We are even seeing big places like Nardini's close on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the winter months, and a lot of places are struggling to get staff. 

"I think since Covid has happened, people have got out of the habit of going to work and most people stay at home.

"Unfortunately it seems to be a cultural problem."

Conservative councillor Tom Marshall shared his sympathy with the businesswoman's plight.

He said: "It is not just a local issue but a nationwide problem, partly exacerbated by the furlough scheme with Covid, where lots of people didn't have to go to work and laid off 80% of their staff.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Cllr Tom Marshall has voiced concernsCllr Tom Marshall has voiced concerns (Image: North Ayrshire Council)

"I visited one garage recently only to be told that they didn't have an MOT tester.

"I also feel that one of the issues now is that there are so many benefits on offer, as well as all the freebies, that it is a disincentive to go to work.

"As a school teacher, I remember telling pupils to stick in and get good qualifications to get a good salary and the response I got was that they don't have to go to work and can sign on survive on benefits.

"I am concerned that it has now become a culture.

"There are now not enough incentives for people to go out an earn their pound, schilling and pence."

Mrs Boyd added: "It is a problem as we can't get people to be mechanics, work tills or pack shelves.

"The work ethic seems to have disappeared. I can understand that people can save on childminding costs but industry requires manpower and cafes, beauticians, shops, and garages - we all need physical people and the worry is that kids will grow up and ask where has all the industry gone?"