WYRE Forest MP Mark Garnier, who has organised a second jobs fair for the district in his mission to try and help people into work, talks about the event next week and local employment.

He says: "I have made no secret of my belief that bringing jobs and prosperity to Wyre Forest is one of the most important things I can do as MP for the area. 

 Whether it is meeting with local businesses, lobbying government ministers for funding opportunities or campaigning to protect our tourism industry, jobs and prosperity are always at the forefront of my mind.

 Part of delivering this goal is to get local people into local jobs. That is why I started the Wyre Forest Jobs Fair and why I am holding another one on Thursday, September 20 at Kidderminster Town Hall from 10am to 3.30pm. I want to link local people looking for jobs with as many potential employers as possible.

 There are jobs out there as many employers keep telling me. Yet looking for work can, in itself, be hard work. This jobs fair, as with the last, aims to make it easier for local people to find the jobs that are available.

 I was extremely pleased with the interest shown in the last jobs fair in March, and the fact that so many hundreds of people turned up is an illustration of a significant need for another.

 Thankfully, this one is promising to be even bigger and better than before. The venue is full to capacity with 35 stalls hosting a wide range of employers, advice and training.

 We have a little bit of something for everyone: Thomas Vale, Lawrence Recycling, West Midland Safari Park and Encryption IT services are examples of some of Wyre Forest’s most prominent local companies.

  We have a host of major national public and private sector employers such as Premier Inn, Marks and Spencer, Lloyds TSB, Worcestershire County Council and West Mercia Police. Kidderminster College are there if you are looking for education training. Vital Links and Severn Valley Railway are there if you are looking for specialist skills training. We also have several recruitment and job advice agencies which are holding seminars throughout the morning and early afternoon. Subjects range from advice on job hunting, career planning, CVs, apprenticeships and work experience.

  Finally, for those residents with more entrepreneurial spirits there will be a dedicated self-employment section offering business advice for anyone looking to set up their own businesses. Times are tough and people are feeling the squeeze. It is the least I can do to help my constituents by bringing together those who are seeking work, with those who are seeking staff. And if the skills don’t match the jobs, then the training providers will be able to help.

  Spread the word and come and see what the Wyre Forest job market has to offer."