Support for unemployed people in Carmarthenshire from the county’s three Jobcentres has helped to reduce the number of benefit claimants in the county by 16 per cent.

Work coaches at the centres in Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli Jobcentres are helping people take the first steps on their journey back to work.

Their priority is to support those aged 50-plus and others who may need to build confidence and develop new skills because they have been out of the jobs market for a while.

For the coming year, plans are already in hand to focus activity on helping businesses recruit, as there are still plenty of vacancies available, especially in the care sector - including opportunities with care homes provider MIHomeCare and HOOP recruitment.

All Carmarthenshire Jobcentres are currently supporting Carmarthenshire County Council to fill their recycling and refuse crews vacancies.

Both Ammanford and Llanelli Jobcentres continue to work with the Dunbia food processing facility in Cross Hands to help fill two full-time trimmers positions, 16 full-time machine minders and 16 full and part-time labellers positions.

Carmarthen Jobcentre has been supporting Jones Login Coach Travel to fill their current full time PCV driver, PCV technician/fitter and cleaner positions.

The centre has also been working with Bro Myrddin Housing Association seek a full time estate safety co-ordinator and an elderly services assistant.

Meanwhile the DWP ‘Find a Job’ website has thousands of jobs on offer.

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Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP said: “It is positive to see more people moving into jobs or taking steps to search for work.

“Helping people to secure a reliable income is a priority as we start this year.

Across our jobcentres we provide one-to-one tailored support for every jobseeker, breaking down barriers for those thinking about re-entering the workforce, such as older workers or those who have been out of work due to ill health.

“We know the challenges people are facing with the cost of living and have already provided substantial support to help with rising bills, while millions of vulnerable households will continue to be supported with up to £1,350 in additional direct cash payments over the next financial year.”