ALMOST 8,000 people were found jobs ranging from office work to driving by a Kidderminster recruitment agency during the past year.

Backup Staff secured employment for a record 1,500 people a week across the Midlands during 2004, with nearly 50,000 people placed in work over the year.

Ed Healey, recently appointed as manager for Backup's Kidderminster branch, said: "Two thousand and four was a great year for Backup and all in the region. We have found work for 7,671 people, which is fantastic. It has been our best year ever and turnover for the company was 25 per cent up on 2003.

"As a local company set up and run by local recruitment experts, we have an excellent grasp of the recruitment needs of businesses operating within our catchment area.

"This means we have been able to provide a bespoke service ensuring our clients benefit from effective recruitment solutions."

Backup was established in 1990 and has branches ranging from Worcester to Gloucester and includes Dudley and Coventry.