UNEMPLOYMENT in the district is continuing to fall, latest figures show.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of people on out-of-work benefits in Bradford district has dropped by 13.4 per cent since March.

The claimant count for the district last month was 27,705 ­– a rate of 8.3 per cent.

Nationally, the number of job vacancies hit a record high of 1.1 million in the three months to September, as the post-pandemic labour market continued to recover.

There was also a record rise of workers on payrolls, back above pre-pandemic levels.

Fran Innes, of the Department for Work and Pensions in Bradford district, said: “We are working closely – in partnership with local businesses – to promote their vacancies, through job fairs and academies offering work experience and guaranteed interviews and training.

“We have employers onsite across all our offices offering jobs to young people, with many starting work the following week through the Kickstart scheme.”

The Department is planning to occupy part of the former Beales store in Keighley town centre.

Earlier this year it revealed it was proposing to open a new job centre in Keighley and two similar temporary facilities in Bradford.

And it added that in addition, more than 160 work coaches were being taken on across the district.

An employment boost has been provided by supermarket giant Morrisons, which has announced it is seeking to recruit 3,000 new workers ahead of the festive season.

The company – which has a store in Worth Way, Keighley – says it expects this Christmas to be even busier than normal.

Clare Grainger, for Morrisons, said: “Customers have told us that they want to make-up for last year’s low-key festive season and so we are working hard to make sure our shelves are stocked with everything they need to help them celebrate.

“We are looking for 3,000 helpers to come and join our busy team on a temporary or permanent basis and help make good things happen this Christmas.”

For more details, visit morrisons.jobs or call 0345 6116111.

And rail operator Northern, which runs services on the Airedale line, has launched an initiative to support jobseekers.

The company is offering up to three months’ discounted train travel to help people attend job interviews.

The Jobcentre Plus travel discount card offers half-price anytime-day, off-peak and season tickets.

Mark Powles, for Northern, said: “This is a small – but valuable – way in which we can make a positive impact. We want to remove potential barriers for those wanting to get back into work.”

For more details, visit northernrailway.co.uk/returntowork/jobseekers.