A new Jobcentre Plus has launched in a town centre to deal with increased demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The temporary branch in Ramsgate opened its doors on Thursday at the Argyle Centre in York Street.

It is part of the government's 'plan for jobs', which aims to give jobseekers more access to support and new opportunities to find work.

Figures released last month show Thanet has the highest rate of unemployment in Kent, with 6.8% or 8,795 people in the area claiming benefits.

However, the district has seen the biggest number of people come off benefits since last May with 1,180 people from the area no longer claiming.

In the whole of Kent last May there were 72,375 people claiming benefits, but this dropped by 7,800 over the space of 12 months.

The new site in Ramsgate was officially opened by work and pensions minister Baroness Stedman-Scott on Thursday.

She spoke to some of the 34 new local work coaches about their role helping local people land their next job.

"It’s fantastic to see our 'plan for jobs' in action first-hand at Ramsgate and meet the local work coaches making it happen," she said.

"It’s one of many new sites we are opening across the UK to boost Jobcentre support and help people get back into work and on their feet.

"Every customer benefits from the expertise of a dedicated work coach. They know the local jobs market and build strong relationships with local businesses to secure good quality jobs for the local community - and I have no doubt they’ll hit the ground running here in Kent.”

Ramsgate Argyle Jobcentre Plus is one of the new temporary sites announced by the Department for Work and Pensions earlier this year, building on the existing 639 jobcentres across the UK.

The DWP has recruited 13,500 work coaches nationally, which it said was its fastest ever recruitment exercise.

The additional space will accommodate new work coaches recruited in Kent in a bid to help more people.

New recruit Katherine Lewns said: "As a new work coach and coming in to do face-to-face interviews for the first time, I feel lucky to be able to support claimants in such a welcoming environment.

"At the Ramsgate Argyle Jobcentre we can now fulfil our roles as work coaches providing effective support for claimants."

A new Jobcentre also launched in another town centre in Kent this month, taking over a former River Island unit. The branch filled a site in Ashford's County Square shopping centre where 24 work coaches have been hired.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet