JOBSEEKERS in York who want to search for work online are to be helped through free workshops.

The new sessions have been organised by City of York Council to improve residents’ chances of finding a new job, and will provide tips on navigating their way around employment websites and picking out the role which may be best for them.

The workshops will run from 2.30pm to 4.30pm every Tuesday at York Explore, in Museum Street, with tutors and careers advisors offering job-hunting guidance. Figures released last month showed unemployment in York reached its lowest point since 2008 in May, having fallen 0.5 per cent in a year, but 2,763 people in the city were still claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance.

Coun Sonja Crisp, the council’s cabinet member for culture, whose remit includes initiatives run through the city’s libraries, said: “The aim of these workshops is to support residents who want to maximise their chances of finding work or a new job by searching and applying for jobs online.

“In these tough times, jobs are more challenging to find, but if people know where to look and how to apply online, they will be in with a better chance. There is a wealth of information and support on the internet, and library staff can help jobseekers pinpoint the best place to find it.”

The workshops will offer advice on using job-search websites, emailing CVs to potential employers and how to review online job applications. They will also be able to set up a Universal Jobmatch account and practice using it. Residents can book more than one session, with each workshop catering for up to 15 people. The skills learned can be used at home or on any of York library’s free computers.

Those wanting extra help with CVs, or more training on improving their job chances, can visit the council’s free employment and learning advice service, Future Prospects, at 20-24 Swinegate, phone 01904 634748, email admin@futureprospects.org.uk or log on to futureprospects.org.uk