A TEMPORARY job centre has been set up to help people who have become unemployed during the pandemic.

The Dundas Centre in Middlesbrough, Dunedin House in Thornaby and the Metro Centre in Gateshead are among the 80 locations in the UK which will house temporary job centres

From June, staff from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will be working from the unit at the Dundas Centre which used to house the retailer Boyes.

The DWP, which has taken out a five-year lease, said when it is fully operational it will have up to 50 staff members based there.

Richard Wilson, senior associate with commercial property agent Dodds Brown – who act on behalf of the owner – said: “This is an ideal location which is easy to access and is already home to The Live Well Centre, which has provided vital support for so many local residents.

“We are all aware of the devastating impact COVID has had on people’s lives and livelihoods and sincerely hope that help provided at the Dundas Centre will lead to a fresh and positive start.”

He added: “I’m sure that the extra footfall the jobcentre will generate, from both staff and job seekers, will also bring a welcome boost for the centre’s retailers as they look to recover from the impact of the pandemic on their businesses.”

More temporary job centres are planned as venues are confirmed.