UNEMPLOYMENT across the district has risen month-on-month, latest figures show.

According to the Office for National Statistics, a total of 22,095 people were claiming out-of-work benefits in the Bradford district last month.

That compares to 21,760 in September, a rise of 1.5 per cent.

The total is also up on a year ago, by 2.2 per cent.

But it represents a drop of 2.6 per cent when compared to six months ago.

Bal Singh, a Bradford-district Jobcentre manager, says: "Now is a great time for jobseekers to give their career aspirations a kickstart.

"One way is to apply for some of the hundreds of Christmas jobs being advertised locally, as a stepping stone to get back into the work routine."

In Skipton, including South Craven, Jobcentre bosses are celebrating the success of an initiative aimed at improving jobseekers' IT skills and access to technology.

Wendy Mangan, employer and partnership manager for York and North Yorkshire, says: "Support is available at Skipton Jobcentre for everyone, whatever their age, or if they’re just looking to improve their career prospects."

An open day is being staged at the Jobcentre on December 15, between 10.30am-2pm, featuring providers offering support services to people in Craven.