More than 200 people aged 50 and over have found work in Bolton over the last year.

This comes as the Department for Work and Pensions releases its latest figures for the end of this year.

Staff at the job centre in Bolton say that the increase in older people getting back into work is thanks to the plans they have put in place supporting people in these groups.

Bolton Jobcentre DWP spokesperson Victoria Boylan said: “It’s been a busy, positive year at our jobcentre with everyone working hard to help jobseekers and employers.

“We’ve built new partnerships with businesses, some recruiting in our office, and a great example of this is the tremendous success of the 50PLUS: Choices offer and the Movement to Work offer.

The Bolton News: Job centre staff say they have had a busy yearJob centre staff say they have had a busy year (Image: PA)

“We’ve continued to develop and improve our in-person jobs fairs, including the very popular specialist events for the 50 Plus and young people.”

Ms Boylan and her colleagues say their success is down to the effort put in by work coaches and the special events they hold in partnership with Bolton based employers.

One example was an event during National Older Workers Week which resulted in several job interviews, job offers and referrals to further skills training.

Ms Boylan said: “Looking towards 2024 we have vacancies in almost every sector, whether that’s hospitality or health care both of which offer flexible working.

“We’ll also be looking to expand our services to open up the possibility of guiding parents and people with a health condition into fulfilling employment.

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“Importantly job seeking parents on Universal Credit, can get extra financial help through increased childcare payments.”

Staff at Bolton Job Centre say that the increase they have seen in people in older age groups is in line with trends seen elsewhere across the country.

Minister for Employment Jo Churchill MP said: “This year the number of employees on payroll reached a record high in the UK labour market, up over 300,000 on the year.

“Our transformational Back to Work plan with £2.5billion will help thousands more people access the wide-ranging benefits of work and boost our economy.”