A temporary jobcentre is to fill a former River Island branch.

The unit in Ashford's County Square shopping centre has been empty since the clothing giant vacated it in August.

However crews have now moved in as they outfit the shop ahead of its opening as a JobCentre Plus.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is setting up dozens of temporary centres in response to the unemployment boom due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Minister for Employment, Mims Davies, said: “With more new, temporary jobcentres in place in the heart of our communities, we can support even more people impacted by the pandemic to find work and progress into new roles.

“We’ve already boosted our DWP Work Coaches by 10,000 – and with these new local jobcentres to operate from, we can drive forward our Plan for Jobs, creating fresh opportunity for people all across the country.”

Only two temporary centres are being established in Kent, with another taking over the ex-Poundstretcher shop in Sandgate Road in Folkestone.

The move into Ashford comes as the town prepares for non-essential retail to reopen on Monday.

It is not known when it will be fully operational, or when it will leave the town.

The DWP has been approached for more information.

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