EXTRA help is being made available to support job seekers in South Craven.

Skipton Jobcentre, which covers the area, has a number of initiatives planned – including additional assistance for employers with their recruitment needs.

The moves come as figures show that last year, in the Craven area, there was an overall claimant count of 550 – a year-on-year increase of 30, equating to six per cent.

Michael Dales, employer and partnership manager at Skipton Jobcentre, says: "Our work coaches are striving hard to help employers fill their vacancies and support people, whatever their situation, into jobs.

"As the year kicks off, the focus is on helping employers grow their business by opening up the jobcentre for onsite recruitment.

"Also, we are ramping up online and in-person jobs fairs, giving every job seeker the opportunity to make progress.

"And as part of Apprenticeship Week, which starts on February 5, we're running a four-part CV and apprenticeship information session to provide a range of help and support.

"There are plenty of vacancies across Craven, and our jobcentre work coaches stand ready to support people – of all ages – to take first steps back into employment.

“Plus – for those on Universal Credit – additional financial support is available, as people can keep more of what they earn, whilst parents can receive increased childcare payments."

In an initiative which begins next week, the Cellar Trust is delivering wellbeing workshops at the jobcentre.

Sessions are being run on behalf of the NHS and will cover topics such as stress busting, improving sleep and managing low mood.

The workshops continue until February 13.

Mr Dales adds: "The sessions are designed to promote understanding of mental health and to aid personal development by empowering people to take control over their wellbeing.

"Participants can receive practical information, including details of local and national resources where further help can be sought, as well as learn techniques to aid better wellbeing.

"Sessions are delivered in a short format, in person or via webinar."

The Government says that nationally the number of jobs has "hit a record high", and that its Back to Work plan will provide support for more people.

A spokesperson adds: "The £2.5 billion Back to Work plan will open up the benefits of employment for thousands more people, whilst we continue to make work pay by cutting taxes and boosting the national living wage."