Press Releases

October 15 2008

Jobs event helps hundreds

An event in east Manchester to bring together job-seekers and employers was a great success. More than 900 people looking for work talked to potential employers and had access to support, advice and guidance from professional services represented at the JobCity event held at the City of Manchester Stadium.

The event was run by the urban regeneration company New East Manchester’s economic programme team in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and a variety of employers through the Local Employer Partnership.

Eddie Smith, Chief Executive of New East Manchester, said: “The feedback from employers and from those seeking work has been very positive, which demonstrates the value of the event in helping to match local people with local jobs.  It is particularly encouraging to see so many local residents taking positive steps towards finding employment.”

Ian Marshall, External Relations Manager for Jobcentre Plus, said: “We are delighted that so many of our jobseekers from around Manchester attended this event. The participating employers had a combined total of a thousand jobs to fill and were thrilled with the response. Working in partnership with New East Manchester and other organisations enables Jobcentre Plus to introduce employers to the vast array of recruitment solutions available through Local Employment Partnerships.”

Employers were pleased with the contacts they made with potential employees, especially those who came prepared to meet employers in smart business wear and with a current CV.

 Garry Clarke, Recruitment Manager for Ticketmaster UK Ltd, said: "It was a hugely successful day for Ticketmaster, with a continuous flow of active jobseekers for over four hours! JobCity was an extremely well run event and was also a great chance to engage with different training providers, helping us to reach out to the community while promoting our business."

Paula Robinson, Team Manager from British Gas, said: “It was a well-organised and well-attended event with excellent facilities and continued support from organisers. We have already received a positive response from candidates via telephone, email and our website”.

Weena Eastwood, HR and Training Manager for The Co-operative, said: “I was a bit apprehensive going to the jobs fair but I thought it was a great success on the day. We had well over 250 people inquire about jobs and it was really encouraging to see so many people want to get back into the workplace. I have every confidence that the Co-operative can be a part in making this happen.”

Sarah Jubbs, HR Adviser for Salford Primary Care Trust, said: “The jobs fair was an excellent success, the job seekers were very enthusiastic and I made some great contacts with the other employers. I will definitely be attending again next time.”

Scott Tuddenham, Operations Support Manager for NCP, said “The recruitment fair proved to be an invaluable tool in assisting our continuing efforts to successfully target a diverse Manchester population – allowing NCP Services Ltd to raise its corporate profile and providing an opportunity to explain the nature of our business to interested members of the public. Ultimately the event was a success, with the numbers of applications received on the day, and the contacts made will assist with future recruitment.”

Businesses from the customer service, retail, catering, security and care service professions were all represented at the event.  Employers that included Boots, British Car Auctions, British Gas, The Co-operative, GRA Greyhound, JD Wetherspoons, Manchester Care, Manchester City Council, Manchester PCT, Marks & Spencer, NCP, Reliance Security, Royal Bank of Scotland, Salford Primary Care Trust and Ticketmaster.

Job-seekers had the chance to speak to all the employers on the day, find out exactly what jobs were on offer and get support from staff of Jobcentre Plus and other support services.