A campaign has been launched to attract more ethnic minorities after figures revealed fewer black people were shortlisted for vacancies at a council department, writes Mark Templeton.

Oxford City Council's City Works arm which looks after repairs, maintenance, council vehicles, footpaths and parks shortlists 36.5 per cent of black candidates compared with 45 per cent of whites. The department launched a campaign to try to recruit more black people and ethnic minorities which were said to be "significantly under-represented" in City Works. Foll- owing the launch last year, minority applicants are now four times more likely to be appointed to jobs in the department compared to any of the council's other areas.

A further marketing strategy is now being started to publicise jobs in City Works. It will include promoting the service in schools and colleges. Director Graham Bourton said new figures showing applicants were now more likely to be appointed was a step in the right direction.

He said: "It must be remembered that jobs available at City Works tend to be less popular with minority groups compared to the rest of the council."

But while this was encouraging, the issue of under-representation still needed more action.

During the last year, 352 black people applied for jobs at the city council compared with 3,104 whites. The council went on to appoint 5.3 per cent of blacks and 11.7 per cent of whites.

A survey carried out on behalf of City Works showed most black and Asian community members had never heard of the department and would prefer to work in professional employment sectors rather than manual labour.