Councils join forces with Jobcentre Plus
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils have launched a new partnership with Jobcentre Plus to bolster the local economy with a series of recruitment fairs.
The need for the partnership emerged after local employers reported that an increasingly challenging recruitment market was making it difficult for them to find the right candidates.
However, following a recent successful event in Great Cornard earlier in 2023, Jobcentre Plus and the two councils have agreed to extend their partnership to help local businesses connect with appropriate candidates in their area.
A programme of quarterly recruitment fairs, alternating between the districts, will now run until April 2025.
Funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, these free-to-enter events will offer local businesses the opportunity to meet prospective employees and to promote themselves and their vacancies to their communities.
Anyone is welcome to attend the recruitment fairs, whether they are already in work or education or seeking to move into employment.
The first event takes place at The Mix in Stowmarket on Wednesday, 20 September and further events will be revealed in the future.
Cllr Derek Davis, Babergh District Council cabinet member for economic growth, said:
“I’m very pleased that we have been able to secure this important long-term partnership.
“Local businesses are the backbone of the district and connecting them with the best applicants will ensure their continued growth and success.
“In my day job as an employer I have worked with Jobcentre Plus in providing paid work experience and know first-hand how invaluable this can be for job-seekers, and employers.”
Cllr Teresa Davis, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for thriving towns and rural communities, said:
“It’s not often that you get to connect with your potential employer before you’ve even applied, so whether you’re looking to make a change in your career or just getting started, the recruitment fairs are a great opportunity and not to be missed.”
Gary Clasby, DWP Senior Employer and Partnership Manager for Suffolk said:
“We are delighted to be joining forces with Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils to help deliver on this important initiative.
“These events will give our customers the chance to meet with employers who are currently recruiting across the county, as well as the opportunity to seek out further advice and support from our incredible partnership and stakeholder organisations.”
You can book your place at the Stowmarket recruitment fair here: Stowmarket Recruitment Fair Tickets, Wed 20 Sep 2023 at 10:30 | Eventbrite
