Jobs fair held to fill roles in key sectors

Hundreds of job seekers attended a jobs fair where they were able to meet organisations and businesses from sectors with labour shortages, such as the care and construction industries.

The number of unemployed residents in the borough aged 16 or over fell last year to around 3,000.

The event, at the Belmont Community Hall in Wellington, was organised by Telford and Wrekin Council.

One firm, a care provider, said they had noticed a shortage of workers in the care sector, particularly after the covid pandemic. Care workers and social carers were added to the government's shortage occupation list in February 2022.

Taylor Support, which provides care for disabled children and adults across Shropshire, attended the event looking for eight new support workers.

"We've been very fortunate with recruitment and haven't seen much of a dip, however, we've notice a change in the type of people applying for jobs," Holly Taylor said.

"They're often looking for work rather than specifically wanting to work in social care," she added.

Holly Taylor from Taylor Support said her business needed both part-time and full-time staff

Other employers looking for staff included The Wrekin Housing Trust, construction training provider Anta Education and the national care home group, Home Instead.

Telford and Wrekin Council's Job Box team was also on hand to offer advice and guidance about job vacancies in the borough.

"There's a job for everybody in Telford," said Councillor Shirley Reynolds, portfolio holder for employment, education and skills at Telford and Wrekin Council.

"It's important to have recruitment events in town's like Wellington because they help put local people in local jobs.

"That cuts down on their travel costs and saves employers having to advertise for staff, so there will always be a demand for face-to-face events like this," she added.

Telford and Wrekin's unemployment rate fell from 4.3% to 3.4% in 2023.