Hundreds flock to fair to seek seasonal jobs

HUNDREDS of seasonal jobs were up for grabs at a major recruitment event in the city.

Opportunities for work in the run-up to the festive period were on offer at the Christmas Jobs Fair at Jobcentre Plus in Western Way.

Employers like New Look, Toys R Us, Allied Healthcare, Homebase, McDonald’s, BHS and Backline Logistics & Solutions were looking to fill both full and part-time vacancies.

Tim Jones, chairman of Devon and Cornwall Business Council, opened the event.

Jobcentre Plus recruitment manager Sonia Bryant said: “The event has been really busy and the feedback has been positive. There has been a real variety of people coming through the doors, of all different ages and with different expertise.”

Visitors were able to talk to training providers about the help available to improve their skills for the jobs market. There were also sessions on CV writing, job applications, interview techniques, being self-employed and careers in the care sector.

Toys R Us recruitment coordinator Michelle Daniel said: “The fair has been a success and we have met lots of interesting applicants. We need a lot of extra hands as the store is open until 10pm six days a week leading up to Christmas.

“We offer flexible contracts and need staff of all ages as we have departments ranging from babies to video games.”

New Look merchandising manager Peter Margetson said: “It is the first time we have come to the fair and we have met lots of potential employees. We have between 40 to 50 positions available, with varying hours. The lead-up to Christmas is a really busy time for us, along with the January sales.

“We will definitely keep people on as permanent staff if they prove themselves to us.”

Jobseeker Anne Sanders from Pathfinder Village, near Exeter, was impressed with the event.

“I came today primarily to see Royal Mail about seasonal work,” she said. “But I have discovered a lot of other options. I am a legal conveyancing secretary by trade, so I was looking for office work, but I’m open to trying something new.”

Unemployed Al Parsons, 54, from Seaton, said: “I was hoping to talk to Royal Mail about driving work over Christmas. It is mainly shops here today, but at least there are jobs available.”

Exeter College student Rob Stoneman, 17, from Heavitree, who was looking for his first part-time job, said: “I read about the event in the Echo. I was hoping to get a job in one of the large DIY stores. But I am now considering working for Toys R Us instead. I am impressed by the amount of variety there is.”

Unemployed Shani Simpson, 40, from Exmouth, said: “I am looking for retail work. My background is in caring, but I want a career change.”