HUNDREDS of new jobs have been created for Bury for McDonald's and Morrisons suppliers.

DHL which project manages Morrisons fresh food provision support has created 450 new jobs for the area and Guenther Bakery, which makes the buns for McDonald's, is very soon going to be looking at starting a new shift.

Ian Mitchell, partnership manager for Bury Jobcentre Plus said: "The latest employment news for the Bury area is very promising.

"The retail sector in the centre of Bury is very buoyant, from the traditional market to the more fashionable stores and eateries on The Rock. All provide lots of jobs and vacancies to the people of Bury and surrounds.

"A new call centre operation in the Millgate precinct has opened recently creating 150 jobs and an even newer one is due to open any day with a new staff target of 50 customer service advisors.

"All in all, every sector in the borough of Bury is thriving and the DWP and its partners are looking to make sure that every possible support is given to the employers of the area in our quest for employability for the residents in this town."

Monthly figures from the Office for National Statistics shoe there are 2,995 employment benefit claimants in the borough, a two per cent increase on the same time last year, however this is a better position than in 2010 when there were 4,359 people out of work, since 2010 this is a drop of 31 per cent.

Of the current claimants 600 are aged 18 to 24-years-old, again slightly up on last year (six per cent) but down 57 per cent on eight years ago.

In the north west there are 3.4 million people in work, 220,000 more than in 2010 and the unemployment rate has halved in the same period with just 4.1 per cent out of work.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Esther McVey said: “The employment rate has never been higher — with over 3.3 million people moving into work since 2010.

“It’s a Great British success story with businesses from Exeter to Edinburgh creating jobs — helping, on average 1,000 people find a job each and every day since 2010.

“And with the increase in the personal tax allowance, this government has ensured that people are keeping more of their money before they begin paying tax — meaning more take-home pay, that’s more money in your pocket for you and your family.”