Newbury jobs fair organised by Newbury Job Centre and supported by Newbury MP Lee Dillon and West Berkshire Council brought job seekers and employers together

A Newbury jobs fair has been heralded as a “resounding success” after bringing together over 180 jobseekers and 20 local employers under one roof, writes Caitlyn Gregory.

The event, hosted by Newbury Job Centre, run in partnership with West Berkshire Council and supported by Newbury MP Lee Dillion, was held at the Newbury Council Offices last Friday (January 31).

Its aim was to connect people looking for new – or first time - opportunities, with potential employees.

Newbury Job Centre said it hoped to showcase the biggest variety of employers possible with companies, including Thames Valley Police, Lidl, Primark and Roc Technologies, on hand to discuss roles in sectors such as IT, care, construction, education, retail and cleaning.

Volunteering roles were also discussed at the fair and also present was SmartWorks, a charity which supports women getting into work.

Mr Dillion, who opened the event alongside West Berkshire Council leader Jeff Brooks, said boosting employment is essential to creating settled communities that prosper.

He said: “Once you secure employment that allows you to fulfil your ambitions.”

While unemployment remains low in West Berkshire, Mr Dillion said he was anxious at the increasing number of young people not in education or training.

“We need to make sure young people can get back into the workforce and start developing their own skills and qualifications,” he added.

“As long as the job centre wants to do it, I will always add my name to supporting it. Hopefully today’s a really successful day and we have a model we can take going forward.”

Susan Beasley, Berkshire employer engagement manager for the Job Centre, said: "It was a fantastic event, attended by over 180 jobseekers, well supported by our employers from various sectors.

“We are really happy with how successful the event was and can't wait for the next one.”