Job hopes start to rise as firms on the mend

A mini jobs boom is on the way to the Black Country as a string of recovering manufacturing companies start recruiting to cope with a surge of new work.

Many firms had to cut their workforces in the depths of the recession.

But Wolverhampton-based manufacturing support agency MAS-WM today said optimism is returning.

Rachael Eade, auto project manager at MAS-WM said: "On the automotive side in particular we are seeing an increase in business orders, in research and development work.

"As a result companies are recruiting again. They are looking for both apprentices and for experienced engineers. In fact there is a considerable degree of competition for the best and most skilled people."

One of the most dramatic recoveries has been seen at CAB Automotive in Tipton, where the workforce has almost doubled since the recession.