Jobcentre staff have been giving extra help to Carmarthenshire jobseekers throughout July.

The aim was to help people improve their chances of getting a job and to ensure that this first job move becomes the first step in building a career.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said this approach works well when there is a good relationship with employers.

The DWP said the jobcentre staff have been tirelessly working to build employer relations by advertising vacancies, inviting employers to job fairs, offering space in the jobcentres for interviews, and discussing employer needs with work coaches.

The DWP said this helps work coaches understand the skills and qualifications required by applicants and offer support and training at an early stage.

The NHS, which is the biggest employer in Wales, has been struggling with a shortage of staff at all levels.

The HR team of Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB), which covers Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion, hold regular information sessions at the jobcentres across the three counties for people seeking information about available job roles.

These roles are not only in hospitals but also in pharmacies and GP surgeries.

They cover medical roles as well as administration, IT, portering, customer service, cleaning, and catering.

Fred Hatton of the DWP employer and partnership team said: "It can be a full-time job to seek out the ideal job, make a successful application, and then impress the employer at interview.

"The next phase of the process is to continue to impress the employer during the first few months in work.

"Estimated vacancies in the UK in the three months to July were 884,000.

"The key focus for all Jobcentre staff is to help people achieve financial security through work.

"Turning this aim into a reality is the role of every locally based jobcentre work coach.

"Underpinning this, our employer and partnership teams continue to work with businesses to fill their vacancies, which in turn contributes to growing the economy."

Jobseekers are also encouraged to use job websites and social media platforms to seek out jobs that suit them.