Mid and East Antrim jobs fair against rise in unemployment

And the local authority is extending an invitation for job-seekers to participate in the online event.

A Mid and East Antrim Council social media statement read: “Join us on Thursday 12 November between 10.00am and 4.00pm for your chance to meet companies who are currently recruiting and access practical advice sessions.”

More details are to follow closer to the event, which takes place against a steep rise in the number of people out of work in the borough over the past 12 months and latest pandemic restrictions.

Voicing concern earlier this month, East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said: “The latest figures show that 2,765 people are unemployed in east Antrim. This represents a massive jump of 1,180 since August 2019.”

The DUP representative went on to warn “this does not reflect the many hundreds likely to lose their jobs when furlough is removed and does not factor in the consequences of further lockdown proposals”. Read here

Council teamed up with the Department for Communities in May or last year on a jobs fair featuring more than 30 employers from industry, care, engineering, hospitality and construction, as well as support organisations and apprenticeship providers.

Firms were hand to answer questions and discuss training and employment opportunities with up to 700 vacancies and 140 apprenticeships on offer. Read here

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