EFFORTS being made to help South Craven people find work have been spotlighted as latest figures reveal a drop in regional unemployment levels.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that in Yorkshire and the Humber, the number of people unemployed currently stands at 94,000, down 13,000 on the previous quarter.

Wendy Mangan, employer and partnership manager for Skipton Jobcentre, says considerable efforts are being made across Craven to support people into work – including through a link-up with Keighley Jobcentre and Platinum Stairlifts at Cross Hills, which is currently recruiting trainee welders and CAD technicians.

She says: "Platinum Stairlifts has created an onsite training facility to fill a skills gap in the market and support recruitment.

"Following an employer-led information session at Keighley Jobcentre, all who attended and made a CV application were booked in for interviews."

She also highlights specialist support on offer in the district from a team of work coaches, adding: "They ensure everyone gets the help they need, enabling jobseekers to develop their full potential.

"Identifying barriers to starting and progressing in the world of work is a key aspect of the work coach role, so people can make the most of help available."