Numbers are also offered for the deaf and Welsh speakers

Dialling in search of work follows the success of telephone banking and other service industries.

Charged at the cost of a local call, job seekers will be connected with advisers from the Employment Service who can advise about vacancies from a data base of 316,000 positions.

The numbers to call are:

• For general enquiries: 0845 6060 234
• People with hearing difficulties can call a textphone on 0845 6055 255
• A Welsh language service is also available: 0845 606 7890

The service will available between 9am and 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Announcing the hotline, Employment Minister Andrew Smith said: "This new jobs hotline will help to revolutionise job-hunting for people looking for work in the New Year.

Andrew Smith: Thinks service could "revolutionise" job-seeking

"So many services are now available by telephone and Employment Service Direct will make it even more convenient for people to try to find work.

"It can be used by anyone who is unemployed, whether or not they are claiming benefit."

Employment Service Chief Executive Leigh Lewis added: "The Employment Service is very pleased to be introducing this important and additional service to help more people move swiftly into employment."