More than 300 jobseekers attend Wellingborough careers fair as Christmas recruitment picks up

Christmas recruitment is gathering pace across North Northamptonshire with local Jobcentres supporting jobseekers to access seasonal vacancies as well as longer-term career opportunities.

The support on offer was showcased at a recent careers and recruitment event in Wellingborough, which attracted more than 300 attendees and brought together employers, training providers and employment specialists from across the area.

Many employers are recruiting now for festive demand, while also seeking candidates for permanent positions.

Julie Pritchard from the DWP Employer and Partnership Team said: "With Christmas fast approaching, employers across North Northamptonshire are recruiting for seasonal roles, and local Jobcentres are helping jobseekers connect with these opportunities.

"Seasonal work can be an excellent route into employment, helping people gain valuable skills, build confidence and gain experience that can lead to longer-term career opportunities.

"A key part of this support has been the successful delivery of Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs). Working alongside employers and training providers, these programmes have helped local jobseekers gain new skills, increase their confidence and move closer to employment.

"Successful SWAPs have been delivered across a variety of sectors, including public services, helping customers prepare for opportunities with organisations such as the Civil Service, North Northamptonshire Council and the NHS. Where appropriate, support may also be available with childcare costs, enabling people to access training and employment opportunities."

The support available through local Jobcentres was recently showcased at a Careers and Recruitment Event held at Tresham College in Wellingborough, bringing together employers, training providers and jobseekers from across the area.

Wellingborough Recruitment Consultant, Stefania Cosa, said: "We were delighted with the success of the event, welcoming 309 customers alongside 27 employers and training providers.

"It was fantastic to see so many positive conversations taking place, with attendees exploring vacancies, training opportunities and potential career paths. Events like this demonstrate what can be achieved when employers, partners and Jobcentre colleagues work together to support local people into work."

Julie added: "Thousands more opportunities can be found through the Government's Find a Job service, with more than 800 vacancies currently available across North Northamptonshire. Whether you are looking for seasonal work, a career change or a long-term role, your local Jobcentre can provide support to help you find your next opportunity."

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, said: "Today's figures show the resilience of our labour market with unemployment falling and the UK's employment rate now the third highest in the G7, despite a backdrop of global uncertainty.

"But too many young people still find themselves locked out of employment. That's why we are working with industry to bring young people back into the labour market and prevent them from drifting into the welfare system.

"The hospitality and retail sectors have committed to 200,000 jobs for young people not in education, employment or training through this partnership, giving them the opportunities they need to get started and build successful careers."