Virtual jobs fair to combat increased unemployment in Essex post-Covid
Over 30,000 people are out of work in Essex
With 30,000 people unemployed in Essex following the pandemic, the County Council is getting creative to get people back in to work.
It's hosting a virtual fair today, in which job seekers can hear from local employers about available opportunities in Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford.
Tony Ball, the Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, says taking the event online means more people can attend: "With Covid, we couldn't have face to face job fairs, in the old traditional way, with people setting up stalls and coming along.
"What we have noticed is the reach is much broader online. This is the fifth one that we're having and we've had 10,000 people engage with the previous ones... it's the way of the future."
The Councillor says jobs are out there for those looking: "It's safe to say that that we were very worried with Covid about the impacts upon unemployment. It's over 30,000 in Essex, which is more than it was before Covid, but it hasn't been as bad as we were, perhaps, worried about.
"We do have employers who have vacancies, particularly in construction, health and care and engineering. These are industries that just haven't got the people to fill their vacancies.
He also encouraged more people to consider different options, during National Apprenticeship Week: "If you have a skill, or apprenticeship, it certainly opens up possibilities for you, not only now, to earn some money, but also for the future."
There will also be a job board listing all of the jobs employers at the event are recruiting for, so interested candidates can apply straight away.
Previous employers at similar events have included Essex Library Service, Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service, The NHS and many more.