THE first of three new temporary jobcentres has opened its doors in the district in a bid to offer more help to Bradfordians seeking work.

A total of 55 work coaches are now based at the new Aldermanbury House Jobcentre at the corner of Godwin Street and Sunbridge Road in Bradford city centre.

Some of the coaches have recently joined the Department for Work and Pensions as part of a recruitment drive to hire 13,500 more across the country to deal with increased demand.

The move is designed to boost support for people looking for work and is part of the Government's Plan for Jobs.

Two other sites in the district are listed on the DWP's website as locations for one of the more than 170 new temporary centres nationwide.

These are Bradford Business Park, Kings Gate, Bradford and Low Street in Keighley.

Backsho Bagri is the customer service leader and overseeing the new Aldermanbury site.

She said: "The opening of Aldermanbury House is a brilliant and exciting opportunity to support our 25-49 customers.

"We have a great team who are motivated, passionate and skilled.

"We cannot wait to support our customers and make a difference to the lives of our people in Bradford and make a positive impact on the Bradford economy working with our employers and providers collaboratively."

Inzamam Jawed is one of those new recruits based at Aldermanbury House, and said: "As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, I was made redundant from my role as a paralegal.

"I understand how daunting it can be to secure employment following a particular life event and thought I would be well suited for the work coach role.

"I started the training process in February. Although we have been speaking to claimants by way of telephone, the overall objective remains the same – to provide the support and assistance claimants need, to secure employment.

"I am excited to be moving to Aldermanbury House to be seeing claimants on a face to face basis. I feel we will have a more personalised approach with claimants following a face to face appointment."

The DWP is set to review the need for these temporary jobcentres as the economy recovers.

Last month the Telegraph & Argus reported how the DWP had applied for permission to make changes to the former Beales store in Keighley.

However, the Government department had refused to confirm that the building was to be used as the planned temporary job centre for the town.

The city centre department store, part of the Airedale Shopping Centre, shut its doors last year after the 139 year old business fell into administration.

In May the DWP announced it planned to open a new temporary jobcentre in Keighley, as well as two in Bradford.

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