JANUARY is the time of year when many people resolve to change their lives. Among them, it seems, are the long-term unemployed.

The first month of 2014 has been no exception. Careers advisers have received a surge of inquiries from people who have been out of the workplace for years.

Data from the National Careers Service shows advisers in the East of England, including Essex, received more than 20,000 calls in January 2013.

Skills and enterprise minister Matthew Hancock said: “Many people expect to have a bit of a break in January, as businesses are often a little slow during this month, but for careers advisers it’s the busiest time of year.

“The level of inquires in 2013 was just about unprecedented, and for January 2014, the indicators are it could be even higher.”

With a near record number of jobs available at present, long-term unemployed people are responding to opportunities that may not have been present before.

The most common request for assistance is for help to develop a CV. Nearly three quarters of careers advisers (70 per cent) were asked for advice and tips on CV building.

This is in addition to 47 per cent of advisers reporting people ask for advice on finding a new job after seasonal positions end, while 49 per cent contact advisers to enquire about changing their careers during this period.

Areas of work of most interest to job hunters at this time of year are retail, social care and hospitality. Jobs that offer the best long-term training options are the most popular.

Mr Hancock said: “With a record number of jobs available, the National Careers Service provides guidance to help people into productive careers.

“These are jobs that benefit not only themselves and the businesses they work for, but also the country's economy giving us the ability to continue growing from a stable platform.”

National Careers Service adviser Tracey Bell said: “I would advise anyone who is thinking of changing their career to consider their strengths and what they enjoy.”

Advisers from the National Careers Service are on hand – online, over the phone or face-to-face – to help with this process and next steps.”