A new project to help unemployed over-50s find work has been started by Age Concern Bradford and District.

The charity’s Work Club will give older jobseekers advice and support on finding work.

Latest national figures show that a third of those aged between 50 and state pension age are not working, with the large percentage dependent on benefits. Hazel Jackson, head of training development and human resources at Age Concern Bradford and District, said there had also been a notable increase in the number of people over the age of 50 looking for work since the impact of the public sector cuts.

The Work Club aims to give people the chance to meet other looking for work, build new contacts, share job hunting experiences and get advice on CVs and application forms, interview techniques, IT skills for job searching and volunteering opportunities.

Mrs Jackson said: “Proportionally, there are more long-term unemployed over-50s than any other age group.

“But if we add to this the current pressures on public sector jobs, we have an increased level of short-term unemployed over-50s too.

“Therefore it is imperative that the people who are 50 and above have a clear and competent voice when looking for work and are considered as serious contenders in the market place.”

The first meeting of is on Tuesday, May 17, at the offices in Sunbridge Road, Bradford, and again every following Tuesday from 1pm to 3pm.

Mrs Jackson said: “During every session we will help people to look for work by swapping ideas.”

For more information contact the charity on (01274) 395144.

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