A report going to a Bradford Council scrutiny committee shows how the construction of the Westfield shopping centre will create new jobs – but also points to difficulties in ensuring local people are employed in the construction phase.

It says: “Although the present nature of the construction industry – with the greater use of consolidated existing workforces and agency staff, with consequent reduced use of direct labour – makes it harder to achieve a high level of local employment, both parties (Council and Westfield) are committed to ensuring that where new vacancies exist, they are made available to district residents.”

Westfield has estimated that the construction will create 377 jobs, of which a fifth will be new vacancies. The report states: “A minimum of 50 job vacancies, two thirds of the expected vacancies, are being targeted to be filled by unemployed residents.”

Westfield and the Council are planning a ‘meet the buyer’ event to flag up the opportunities available for local businesses and suppliers during the two-year construction process. Any interested suppliers should e-mail info.bradford@westfield-uk.com.