Bradford is set to reap the benefits of a radical new service aimed at helping the jobless.

Jobcentres across the country are being revamped to help them deliver the new Jobcentre Plus service - and Bradford has been chosen as one of the first to change.

Alistair Darling, secretary of state for work and pensions, said: "The overwhelming response from staff working in the pathfinders and customers receiving the service has been enormously positive. People out of work in the pathfinder areas tell us they like the open plan environment and the individually tailored services.

"They want to visit one place for both job hunting and benefit advice and they

value having personal advisors who work alongside them as they look at the job opportunities available."

Leigh Lewis, chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, added: "We aim to offer a greatly enhanced service to both individuals and employers.

"We are already doing that in 56 locations round the country and that will grow to nearly 300 over the next year."

Vincent Robinson, field director for Yorkshire and Humber, said: "Change on this scale will not happen overnight.

"Members of the public should continue to use their local Jobcentre and social security office until Jobcentre Plus arrives in Bradford over the next few years.

"We will be in a position to learn best practice lessons from colleagues as Jobcentre Plus is implemented in other areas, this should help make the transition in Bradford a smooth one.

Gary Sykes, district manager for Bradford, added: "We will continue to maintain a professional and efficient service to people who are out of work and claiming benefit in the Bradford area."

The Jobcentre Plus service, which officially launched on April 2, is to be implemented nationwide over the next few years.