COUNCIL chiefs are developing new ways to recruit staff using technology.

Through an online register, applicants can submit their qualifications, experience and preferences for employment, which can later be matched with vacancies.

After initial screening, applicants on the register will also be kept informed of suitable vacancies as they arise within North Yorkshire County Council, without submitting another application.

A pilot scheme for administrative and clerical vacancies is under way and, once registered, applicants who pass an online screening process will be notified of vacancies that match their criteria.

A council spokesman said: "We want to make it as easy as possible for people to apply for jobs and to ensure that our methods of recruitment are cost effective and efficient.

"We have developed the online register in order to streamline the process for those applying. We anticipate that following this pilot campaign for administrative and clerical staff, we will extend the facility for other relevant vacancies."