OPERATORS of York's newest hotel are working with the city's Jobcentre in its bid to recruit 130 staff.

The news comes as the number of Universal Credit claimants seeking help with living costs, due to unemployment or low incomes, rose to 13,402 in York - up from 13,143 the previous month.

The latest available local authority figures from February 11 also show that in Selby, 5,682 people were claiming UC, up from 5,520 in January, while in Ryedale the figures were 3,779, up from 3,726.

Harrogate saw 10,469 claimants in February, up from 10,338, while in Scarborough there were 10,345 seeking support, compared with 10,1885 in January.

Wendy Mangan, deputy employer and partnership manager at York Monkgate Jobcentre Plus, said: "We are hopeful of an employment boost in the coming weeks as the key dates approach for the hospitality sector to get up and running again.

"I believe York is in a good position to benefit from the possible boom in staycations as restrictions ease.

"This will benefit all of our bars, restaurants and tourism businesses massively."

Wendy said York Jobcentre had been working with the team behind the new 150-bedroom Malmaison which is creating 130 jobs ahead of its expected launch in April.

Vacancies include chef roles, an assistant bar manager for the rooftop bar, a barista, Starbucks assistant manager, as well as a receptionist, accounts assistant and stock controller.

As part of this collaboration, the Jobcentre has been running a virtual hospitality sector work academy programme, with a guaranteed interview with Malmaison for roles in housekeeping, food and beverages.

Other vacancies in the city have led to a round of interviews for job-seekers with Taco Bell for food and service roles.

Meanwhile, the Jobcentre has been running a training programme offering guaranteed interview for care assistant roles.

Wendy said they were also now seeing Jobcentre customers starting placements on the Government Kickstart scheme.

"This is fantastic and their feedback is really positive. LNER had seven young people start Kickstart job roles with them a few weeks ago. All are doing really well with nine more starting in early April."

In April, the Jobcentre is also running courses for its clients in customer service and digital skills for employment via Zoom, while rolling courses are underway in online counselling; digital marketing including business administration; warehouse sector work; construction.

Further support available for job-seekers includes:

• Mid-Life MOT - A new resource designed to help those aged 45+ make informed choices about their future working lives and retirement plans. It invites individuals to look at their finances, health, wellbeing and skillset, while encouraging employers to support those aged 45-plus in areas such as flexible working, pension evaluation and ensuring they are an ‘age-friendly’ employer. Visit: https://www.humberopportunities.co.uk/mid-life-mot/

• Job Entry Targeted Support – provides specific support to help those who are unemployed and in receipt of benefits for at least 13 weeks - support includes, but is not limited to, transferable skills analysis, CV writing, job search, interview skills and confidence building

• Job Finding Support – JFS is a new voluntary provision offering a service for recently unemployed people (up to 13 weeks unemployed) who may not need significant help with their job search, but would benefit from a short package of tailored 1-2-1 support to help them become familiar with current recruitment practices and understand sector specific approaches.

• New Enterprise Allowance - Support is available to help you start or develop your own business if you are already self-employed.

For further details, contact York Jobcentre Plus.