Eurovision is just what Liverpool needs to help the economy
A special recruitment fair has been announced to help revive the flailing sector of recent years.
Leaders in Liverpool say a huge event like Eurovision is just what the city needs to help undo some of the devastation done by Covid-19.
The post pandemic dwindeling economy could be boosted by thousands of jobs up for grabs to help welcome around 100,000 extra visitors for the song contest.
Pre pandemic fiscal economy was worth £5bn and employed over 55,000 people in the broader sector but these figures dropped dramatically.
Janet Nuzum, Visitor Economy Sector Manager at Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company, said though the region took a knock things are changing.
Janet said: “Obviously, the pandemic has had a dramatic effect. People were front facing operational staff, they were one of the first to close because of the restrictions imposed on it.
“But things have been gradually improving, the value has gone back up to £3.6bn to the regional economy and we are employing about 38,000 people.”
Last year, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, unveiled a £4.5m, two-year strategy with a raft of urgent interventions and longer-term measures to help the industry return to full health after it was devastated by the pandemic.
A special recruitment fair has been announced to take place on the 1st March to showcase careers in Liverpool City Region.
It’s to help the tourism and hospitality sector to gear up to welcome around 100,000 extra visitors for the Eurovision song contest.
In October last year, training portal Be More was introduced as an all-in-one training and careers system, which includes an AI-powered app. The Be More site currently has over 2,500 vacancies listed.
The Eurovision recruitment fair is the first in a number of careers roadshows across the region, including mini recruitment events and a campaign to raise awareness of the of the hospitality and tourism economy in schools.
Job seekers will also be able to sign up for training courses to improve their chances of finding work in the sector.
Janet said: “What this event gives us is an opportunity to highlight the significant role that hospitality plays in making sure visitors have an exceptional time when they are here. That is why we, alongside our partners, are hosting this recruitment fair – we want people to be a part of this vibrant sector and help our businesses fill their vacancies and find the talent they need.
Nicki O’Connor, Partnership Manager for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the fair is just one event connected to Eurovision which can help the region.
She said: “I want to encourage those looking for work to attend to get the chance to speak to prospective employers face-to-face.
“It’s crucial that people of all ages and backgrounds have the chance to progress and we want people to know we’re there to support them into work.”
The first fair on 1st March will take place at ACC Liverpool 11am-4pm. The following mini recruitment fairs are planned to take place in Halton, Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.