THOUSANDS of people are looking forward to a prosperous 2005 thanks to a Worcester-based recruitment agency, which has thrown a lifeline and found them work.

Backup, which has its headquarters in Castle Street, is celebrating after finding employment for a record 1,500 people every week in 2004.

Demand for personnel soared and as a result the agency placed nearly 50,000 people in employment.

In Worcester alone Backup found positions for more than 10,000 residents who are now enjoying careers in the catering, driving, office and industry trades.

"2004 was a great year for Backup and all in the region," said Lee Broadway, Sales Director for the company.

"It has been our best year ever and turnover for the company was 25 per cent up on the year before.

"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."