A JOBLESS Newport father who has applied for hundreds of jobs in the past year has secured himself an interview - just a day after appealing to Argus readers.

David Green, who appeared on the front page of the Argus yesterday, admitted he was a bit apprehensive about contacting us at first, but has been surprised by the response.

The 40-year-old described himself as “desperate” since finding himself without permanent work for the first time in his working life, despite years of experience.

Mr Green has sent out some 150 applications in 2014 alone and one recruitment site he uses has logged 672 applications in the last year.

Newport Transport was the first to respond yesterday morning. Scott Pearson, managing director, said: “If he wants a job with us he can have one.”

Mr Pearson went on to say it didn’t matter if Mr Green had a bus licence or not, as they could get him trained.

Mr Green was quick to follow up the interest. He said: “I got straight on the phone to them. They’re looking at the possibility of a trainee bus driver role.”

A representative from Newport Transport went to Mr Green’s address in Clytha Square to personally deliver an application form.

Mr Green completed and returned the form and has been called for an interview this morning.

Mr Green said: “It seems Newport Transport are going all out to get me on board.”

The article attracted more than 4,000 page views online and was the most read story on our website yesterday.

“The comments on the website have been really positive too,” he said. “Hopefully they will keep coming in. People seem keen to help.”

Acorn Recruitment, Red Recruitment and Total Jobs have contacted Mr Green to see what they can do to help.

A member of Newport Council also emailed Mr Green to set up a meeting with one of their teams which are aimed at helping people back into work. The council’s work programme is delivered in partnership with Working Links and is considered the best in Wales.

Councillor Deborah Davies, cabinet member for skills and work, said: “I would like to wish Mr Green well and hope he does secure employment in the near future.

“The council is doing everything it can to help people like Mr Green find their rightful place in the workplace. It is important both for the individual concerned and for the city.”