SOUTHAMPTON is proof that it is not all doom and gloom on the employment front, according to one Government minister.

Despite huge job losses in the region Employment Minister Tony McNulty insisted Southampton was very well placed to pull through the recession.

The minister spoke as he visited Wheatsheaf in the city centre, a vocational training scheme for disadvantaged young people.

Mr McNulty met trainees who are benefiting from the centre’s construction and carpentry programme.

He said: “Southampton is a very important, innovative city and it is very well placed to take advantage once we get through the recession.”