NEWQUAY Job Centre says there are many vacancies to fill with Christmas fast approaching.

Judith May, the front of house manager for Newquay Jobcentre, states many employers are looking for temporary staff.

Judith said: “Jobseekers will find inspiration and lots of help to apply at their local jobcentre. 

“Many will find that seasonal work provides an opportunity to build new skills and experience, which can be carried forward later to a permanent role.

“We’re working hard with employers in the neighbourhood to identify their vacancies, which will ensure jobseekers have the best chance to find work that suits their personal situation.

“Other local activity includes on-going support for jobseekers.

“In September Newquay Jobcentre ran a three-day Digital Sector Based Work Academy for our older workers as the team recognised there was a skills gap.

“We felt that it was important that our 50 plus customers were able to do their learning on a device and in order to achieve this and with assistance from our colleagues in partnership team we borrowed tablets from one of our providers to deliver the session.

“During the week customers gained Employability training, as well as the relevant basic IT skills to be able to confidently use for job searching and actively applying for work.

“Eight customers attended and at the end of the course were offered job interviews with local employers and empowered our customers to be independent in using the internet and encouraged them to look at more information regarding their pensions.

“Three of the customers secured employment, which was great news as some of them have not worked for some time.

“Although some of the course candidates were very nervous and even reluctant to take part, the feedback at the end of the course was very positive and we had several comments from them to say how happy they were to have been given the opportunity to attend.

“We are holding regular recruitment opportunities and work academies including production and hospitality sector-based work academies and virtual CSCS courses.

“Importantly parents on Universal Credit can receive help with childcare payments. Jobseekers can search our DWP ‘Find a job - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) to check out the thousands of jobs on offer.

“Currently there are 995 jobs advertised through Find a job. The biggest sector is healthcare and nursing followed by education and childcare.  However, there are a huge variety of vacancies such as warehouse, pharmacy assistant, nurse, chef, cleaner and financial assistant, plus many more. 

“There are also 41 apprenticeship jobs in Cornwall which range from chef to electrician, from care to engineering.”

Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP said: “To get Britain growing again we need to get Britain working again. Millions of people are locked out of work due to long term sickness. This is not good for them, for our economy or for the taxpayer.

“That’s why we will bring forward the biggest reforms to employment support in a generation – overhauling jobcentres, delivering a youth guarantee so every young person is learning or earning, and new work, health and skills plans to tackle inactivity – unlocking opportunity and potential in every area of the country.”