Jobseekers have taken part in a scheme to help them find work at a York hotel that is due to re-open next month after a multi-million pound upgrade.

The move comes as the latest claimant count from the Department for Work and Pensions shows an increase in York, but numbers stable or down on last year in Ryedale and Selby.

Last May, the Ibis York Central at The Mount closed for the transformation into the Ibis Styles York Central.

The work will see an extension to the Grade II-listed building, increasing the number of rooms from 94 to 100.

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In preparation for a mid-May re-opening, hotel bosses and the York Job Centre arranged a Sector Based Work Academy Programme, in partnership with National Employer Training (NET).

Some 13 jobseekers completed the programme, which gave insights into the hospitality sector and the prospect of work within it, all of whom had job interviews with Ibis.

Sarah Lyus, Deputy Employer & Partnership Manager for York & North Yorkshire, added: “We are looking forward to finding out who has been successful.”

Splendid Hotels, who own the hotel, confirmed the training scheme was tailored specifically at filling vacancies at its new Ibis Styles.

Emma Bellwood, Director of People and Culture at Splendid Hotels, said: “This programme has been a great success in supporting our recruitment efforts. So far, we have met some truly impressive individuals and made our first hire through the programme.

“It's fantastic to work with leaders in employment and also to work with the Job Centre and NET to highlight hospitality as a great industry in which to develop a career."

York Jobcentre added this SWAP underlines the importance of the job centre working with local employers and the praise from them confirming the effectiveness of SWAP.

Meanwhile, York has reported an increase in its claimant count, which the DWP says may partly be explained by people moving across from other benefits to Universal Credit.

In March, York had a claimant count of 2,710, an increase of 315 or 13 per cent on a year ago. The number of over 50s was 595, up 70 or 13 per cent on last year.

Ryedale reported a claimant count of 660, down ten or 1 per cent on a year ago. Over 50s made up 200 of this, down 15 or 7 per cent.

Selby had a claimant count of 1245 in March, up five on last year. Over 50s made up 305 of this, down 25 or 8 per cent, the official government figures added.

*For more details on SWAP and how the jobcentre can help employers, employers are asked to email York Jobcentre at York.employerengagementteam@dwp.gov.uk.”

TRAIN travellers in York and North Yorkshire are being warned about rail disruption over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

York-based Northern say that anyone planning to use services between Leeds and York over the Easter weekend is being asked to check before they travel as there will be some disruption due to engineering works.

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Northern’s stopping services between Leeds and York (calling at Cross Gates, Garforth, East Garforth, Micklefield, and Church Fenton) will be temporarily operated by TransPennine Express (TPE) between Saturday (April 19) and Monday (April 21).

A Northern spokesperson said: "The timetable will remain the same and Northern tickets will still be valid on these services, even though they will be run by TPE.

"Northern tickets will only be valid on these specific replacement services and customers cannot use them on other TPE services.

"Additionally, due to engineering work in the Mirfield area, trains between Leeds and Manchester will be diverted via the Calder Valley route through Hebden Bridge.

"As a result, Northern services on this route are expected to be much busier than usual.

"Customers are being asked to check before travelling.

"Detailed journey times are available on online journey planners as well as the Northern app and website."

The work is part of the Transpennine route upgrade - a multi-billion pound scheme to improve rail journeys between Manchester and York - is set to be finished between 2036 and 2041.

In November, Transpennine Express joined Northern in operating electric passenger services between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge.

Electric test trains have also been in operation between York and Church Fenton, with the first electrified passenger services between the two stations set to launch later this year.

Significant progress has also been made in upgrading infrastructure across the route, including large-scale change seen at Huddersfield station.

The station upgrade passed the one-year mark over the Winter when scaffold towers and a raised working platform are in place to enable the canopy restoration work, whilst the tearoom – built in 1886 – was dismantled in 8,000 different pieces and carefully stored away ahead of being reinstated in the future.

Once complete, the full route upgrade will see an increased frequency in trains between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.

Transpennine Express say that journeys between Manchester and York are forecasted to take 63 to 66 minutes once completed.

Eventually, the whole route is set to be electrified, with a new digital signalling system aimed at reducing delays and cancellations.

Mayor David Skaith has assumed responsibility for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for York and North Yorkshire, which will bring £8.7m to the region.

The transfer of the UKSPF 2025/26 to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and Mayor Skaith took place on April 1st, bringing £8.7 million to be spent across the region to positively impact communities and businesses.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund itself aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local businesses, and people and skills. Allocations for the fund have been adjusted to prioritize areas with the highest levels of deprivation, while ensuring sufficient funding in all places to remain viable.

Mayor Skaith expressed his enthusiasm for this new role and committed to making sure the funding reaches every corner of York and North Yorkshire

The UKSPF 2025/26 follows the successful delivery of UKSPF 22/25 by North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council, which together funded around 1000 projects, supporting communities and businesses, boosting the economy, and generating jobs.

The new funding allocation of £8.7 million includes £2,914,393 for capital projects and £5,868,506 for revenue spending. This funding will be divided across three key themes: Communities and Place, Support for Local Businesses, and People and Skills.

Mayor Skaith highlighted the potential impact of this funding..

In addition to the core UKSPF allocation, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has also secured the third largest allocation of the Rural England Prosperity Fund, amounting to £1,748,017. This additional capital funding is specifically intended to address the unique challenges faced in more isolated and remote parts of York and North Yorkshire.

Information regarding opportunities arising from this funding will be posted on the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority website as soon as they are available.

Comparison of UKSPF Funding with Other Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs)

To provide context for the level of UKSPF funding allocated to York & North Yorkshire for 2025-26 (£8,782,899), a comparison with other Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) in England is presented below, based on the allocations outlined by the UK Government.

This table, compiled from government figures, indicates that York and North Yorkshire's UKSPF allocation for 2025-26 is lower than the majority of other Mayoral Combined Authorities in England, ranking 11th out of 13 MCAs in terms of total funding received.

Funding allocations have been adjusted to prioritise areas with higher levels of deprivation, while ensuring all areas receive a viable level of funding.

A POPULAR sports centre in York is looking to cut its energy bills after the installation of solar panels across its roof.

Energise in Cornlands Road, Acomb, opened to the public back in 2009 has a six-lane pool 25 metre pool and gym.

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As part of its commitment to futureproofing leisure facilities in York, GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited) - the charitable social enterprise that operates four Better leisure centres across the city - has completed the installation of new solar panels.

Paul Bickle, York partnership manager at GLL, said: “The installation of solar panels reinforces our commitment to supporting renewable energy, while allowing us to make vital savings on energy costs.

"These savings will be reinvested so that we can continue our ongoing programme of improvements to enhance the customer experience, offer the best possible leisure facilities and better serve the community of York.

"We will continue to work with local stakeholders to seek further funding for solar panels and other decarbonisation processes at Energise and across the York partnership.”

They used £117,000 secured from Sport England as part of the second phase of the Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) to support capital investment and say it will improve energy efficiency at the centre.

GLL say escalating energy prices over recent years have significantly increased the costs of keeping the swimming pool open.

It’s anticipated that the 147kW solar system will generate 141,471kWh a year, creating annual savings in excess of £50,000.

They say that focusing on reducing their carbon footprint and utilising renewable energy as much as possible in a bid to decrease energy bills by lowering the centre’s reliance on the national grid.

The investment follows a recent collaborated between GLL and City of York Council as part of its York Green Streets initiative with the creation of a new micro-wood at Burnholme Sports Centre. Native trees were planted with the help of local volunteers and school children, a project which was funded by the UK Government to mark the King's coronation.

York Green Streets aims to increase the tree canopy cover across York from 10.8 per cent to 13 per cent by 2050, with a commitment to plant 4,000 new trees within York’s urban environment by 2028.

Introducing more trees in York will help to absorb and store carbon - a key step on the road to zero carbon. It will also help the city to adapt to climate change impacts such as rising temperatures, whilst enhancing biodiversity and protecting endangered species.

GLL also manages the LNER Community Stadium, York Leisure Centre and Burnholme Sports Centre as well as Yearsley Pool.

Future plans have also been revealed surrounding a joint project with Deep Green Energy. GLL has been granted planning approval to install a data centre at York Stadium and Leisure Centre.

They say that heat emitted as a by-product of the data centre’s operations will be directed back into the building to serve the heating needs of the leisure centre.

On 1 April 2025, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) 2025/26 transferred to York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

This means gives £8.7 million will be spent across the region, with the aim of positively impacting communities and businesses.

The UKSPF 2025/26 follows the success of UKSPF 22/25 delivered by North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council. Together they funded around 1000 projects across the region, supporting communities and businesses, boosting the economy and generating jobs.

Mayor David Skaith said:

I am excited to take on responsibility for the next year of UKSPF funding. North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council delivered fantastic results in the previous round, and I’ve seen first-hand the difference it’s made to communities and local businesses right across our region.

We’re determined to make sure this funding reaches every corner of York and North Yorkshire, unlocking new opportunities for people, places and business. This is a hugely exciting time to live and work in our region — and UKSPF will play a key role in helping us realise our full potential.

The funding (£2,914,393 Capital / £5,868,506 Revenue) will be split between three different themes:

David Skaith added:

This funding gives us the chance to build healthier, more prosperous communities across both urban and rural areas. The themes of UKSPF sit closely with the priorities we’re driving forward as a region.

On top of that, we’ve secured the third largest allocation of the Rural England Prosperity Fund — a crucial resource to help tackle the specific challenges faced in more isolated and remote parts of York and North Yorkshire.

I can’t wait to see how this funding helps supports communities to feel proud of their outdoor spaces, are equipped with the skills and knowledge to grow their businesses within our region and, have the necessary skills to make the most of our region’s opportunities.

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority received an additional Rural England Prosperity Funding of £1,748,017. This is a rural top-up of capital funding to UKSPF allocations which can support activities that address the specific challenges rural areas face.

All opportunities will be posted on the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority website as soon as they are available.