The collapse of ITV Digital hit Pembrokeshire

Jobcentre Plus is to open a contact centre for people to get advice about employment opportunities and benefit claims.

The collapse of ITV Digital resulted in 800 redundancies at the call centre at Cleddau Bridge last May.

The new jobs, announced by Work and Pensions Secretary Andrew Smith, are subject to the signing of commercial contracts.

This is a massive vote of confidence for what is a highly trained and committed workforce Council leader Maurice Hughes

"These jobs are great news for Wales and for Jobcentre Plus," said Mr Smith.

"There is a wealth of skills available to any employer in Wales and I am pleased that Jobcentre Plus is making the most of these opportunities.

"The Department for Work and Pensions is already a major employer in the area, with nearly 500 people now working for us.

"These new jobs will not only be a major boost to the area but will help us achieve our aim of delivering a modern, efficient service," he added.

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain added that the jobs were a major boost for the area and for the workers.

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain

Monday's announcement follows news last week that mobile insurance company Metropole Sales and Marketing (MSM) intends employing 50 people at a separate facility in the town.

Pembrokeshire Council leader Maurice Hughes said he hoped the new jobs would mark a turning point for the crisis-hit industry.

He also paid tribute to officers from the authority and the Welsh Development Agency for helping to secure the jobs.

"This is a massive vote of confidence for what is a highly trained and committed workforce and the contact centre's first class facilities" he said.

"Hopefully we can build on this success for the future."