Luke Hall, the local Member of Parliament for Thornbury & Yate, kick-started his election pledge to hold at least two job fairs a year, with last Friday’s fair at Shire Way Community Centre.
Entrance was free and hundreds of local people were able to go along to discuss and apply for any of the plentiful jobs that were on offer, while CV and interview workshops were also available to help with the practical side of job-hunting.
A wide range of local and national exhibitors registered and companies in attendance included Andrews, Pluss, Avon Cosmetics, KTS recruitment, SGS College, Nisbets, Virgin Media, Milestones Trust, Jobcentre Yate, The Army, St Peters Hospice, BlueBird Care, Allianz Insurance, Essilor, NCS, Avon and Somerset Police, Marshfield Bakery, Carillion Apprenticeships, Kleeneze, Coffee #1, B&Q Yate and DAS legal services.
In Thornbury & Yate the number of those claiming JSA or other out-of-work benefits continued to fall this year to just 0.8 per cent, down 34 per cent from last year, and ahead of both the South West (1.5 per cent) and the national average (2.6 per cent).
Speaking about the event, Luke said:
“As somebody who has lived and worked locally for many years, including managing the local Lidl Store in Yate, I have always been committed to helping local people find work, I believe in the value of work and the confidence it brings. These jobs fairs are a great way for local people to see what jobs are out there, and to put them in touch with local employers. Everybody should be able to find a job that suits their skills and interests and I want to ensure that the avenues to this are open and available.”
Luke will be holding two Jobs Fairs a year for the next five years, with the next one expected to be held in central Yate in February.