ILKLEY people are being urged by Oxfam to consider volunteering – and boost their job prospects at the same time.

The charity says research has shown that employers are more likely to recruit candidates with volunteering experience than those without.

Of the 500 survey respondents, from a wide range of professional sectors, over 80 per cent said people who had given their time for free were likely to be more hard working and self-motivated than fellow applicants.

Oxfam employs 22,000 volunteers in its shops nationally, including the outlet at The Grove, Ilkley.

Andrew Horton, for the charity, said: "This new research is proof that volunteering massively boosts a person's employability, making volunteering a really positive choice for anyone wanting to change jobs or progress their career.

"Each of our shops relies on its team of volunteers, who work together to give customers a rewarding shopping experience – and raise money to fight extreme poverty around the world."

He added that various volunteering opportunities were available, from window dressing and working behind the till to sorting donations and managing social media.

Call at the Ilkley shop for more details.