ALTHOUGH Hyndburn MP Greg Pope insists that he is not looking for a new job himself he was first in line to try out the new Jobpoints terminals at Accrington Job Centre!

The introduction of this new technology is part of a Government approach to streamline the process of searching for a job which will benefit both the jobless and employers.

Traditional rows of 'job cards' outlining vacancies have now been replaced with 15 electronic touch-screen terminals which handle details of more than 400,000 jobs available throughout the country.

These advanced 'Job Point' terminals will allow individuals to search a vast national database of vacancies to assist with finding the perfect job for them.

Jobseekers simply select the type of work they are looking for as well as the locations they are prepared to travel to and the Jobpoint produces a list of appropriate jobs which can be printed off along with the full details.

Staff at the Oak Street centre will then be on hand to discuss the vacancies or they can use one of the specially installed telephones to connect directly with the vacancy call centre Employment Service Direct. Mr Pope said: "This is a big improvement which will make it much easier for people to find the right job and therefore help people back into the work place."

"Employment is now 2.7 per cent which is a big improvement on 10 years ago and a large part of this is down to the dedicated staff at the job centre.

"It is very valuable work that they do and they are brilliant in recognising that every person who comes through the door has different needs - as do employers - which they help to match up.

"And this modern approach is going to be a big help with that."

People can also job hunt in their own homes by logging on to the national job bank at www.worktrain.gov.uk or by calling 0845 6060 234 and quoting job reference numbers. Lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturdays until 1pm.