A SUCCESSFUL Christmas jobs fair was recently held at Crowngate Shopping Centre.

The event offered unemployed people the opportunity to meet with retailers which are looking to fill seasonal store vacancies.

Leader of Worcester City Council, Adrian Gregson, gave his support to the event, held last Thursday, that was hosted in partnership with Heart of Worcestershire College.

Recruit Crowngate helped around 20 jobseekers be matched with a vacancy this Christmas.

Councillor Adrian Gregson, Worcester City Council leader, said: “With jobs fairs like this, we can we help even more local people into work.

"The scheme is a great example of everyone working together – the Crown Estate, Crowngate Shopping Centre and Heart of Worcestershire College – to match good candidates with the right jobs, so it’s a win-win for local people and local businesses.”

Crowngate retailers, including New Look, Clintons and Debenhams, had several vacancies on offer at the fair, for both permanent employees and seasonal Christmas staff.

Recruiters from the new Bluebell Farm pub and restaurant from Greene King, Churchill Service Solutions and RAF Recruitment and Army Reserves were in attendance at the event.

Heart of Worcestershire College, the Department of Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus were on hand at the event to provide jobseekers with support, advice and access to training and education services.

Faheem Qureshi, head of employment generation at The Crown Estate, which owns the Crowngate Shopping Centre, said: “This is our second jobs fair and we are thrilled with the response from local people looking for festive and long-term employment in the city.

"The success of the event demonstrates the impact that Recruit Crowngate is having in engaging local businesses, and bringing them talented, employment-ready candidates.”

Erica Burlace, centre manager of Crowngate Shopping Centre, said: “Recruit Crowngate is playing a vital role in placing the right people in the right employment.

"It is also enabling discussions to understand the challenges faced by candidates and employers alike, and offering solutions to help overcome them.”