Universal gets ready to recruit for UK theme park

Universal Destinations and Experiences has said it wants to hire local people

Universal has started the recruitment process for its first theme park in Europe, which could be built in the UK.

It has estimated 28,000 jobs could be created by 2031 if the proposed attraction at a site which includes the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks, near Bedford, gets planning consent.

On the website of Universal Destinations and Experiences. the US company's theme park arm, there is now a form for people to register interest in "future job opportunities".

"We're committed to advertising these jobs to local people and will engage with the community at the appropriate time," it said.

Because of Bedford's central location, there could be job opportunities for people in towns and cities across a wide area

The company has claimed the development, which could open in six years, "will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy".

It has said 80% of the theme park's employees would be from Bedford, central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

The online form asks people where they live and what sort of job they would be interested in.

Job areas listed include admin, construction, entertainment, HR and park and resort operations.

The form states "it may be some time before these opportunities become available".

Anyone job seekers who have already been in contact are thanked, but are urged to submit the form to ensure records are up to date.

Alongside a theme park, the attraction could include a 500-room hotel and a retail complex.

Bedford's central location and transport links were important factors for Universal

Universal, which has made films including Minions and Wicked, has theme parks in Orlando and Los Angeles in the US, as well as in Japan, Singapore and China.