Major organisations in the Black Country, who employ thousands of local people between them, are coming together in a virtual jobs fair.

Organised by MPs Mike Wood (Dudley South) and James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis), the event will allow job seekers to speak directly with employers looking to fill vacancies. 

The virtual fair will take place on Friday 6th November and people of all ages will be able to search for roles, speak with employers either individually or as a group, and access relevant information and videos through an app. 

Well-known local names such as National Express, Royal Navy and Black Country Museum have already committed – and their organisation and vacancy information is currently being uploaded onto the app. Dudley South MP, Mike Wood, said: 

“The Covid pandemic means that a lot of people need more helpthan ever to find work. James and I usually organise our own jobsfairs each autumn, but this year we are teaming up to bring together local job seekers and employers from Dudley and right across the Black Country. 

“This will be a live jobs fair, where people can search for vacancies, access videos and speak to companies either individually or in groups. It will be similar to my previous annual events which attract hundreds of locals, except this year it will be in real time on their phone.

“Over the coming months, I want to help hundreds of local people into good jobs. This is just the beginning, if you’re an employer with vacancies, please sign up to take part - we need your help.”

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP, James Morris, added:

“Before becoming an MP I spent time working in business and I know how important it is for recruiters to find the right people for the right roles.

“When I was first elected back in 2010 we were emerging from a significant global recession that had caused a lot of unemployment. I used my position to bring together local employers and agencies to create jobs fairs to help those searching for work, and I have hosted ten of these so far with many successful outcomes for those who have attended.

“Whilst it is not possible to hold the Jobs Fair in person this year, I am looking forward to co-hosting this year’s event in a new, innovative form as we adapt to the constraints of Covid 19.

“With new economic challenges upon us as the impact of the virus takes effect I know it is an uncertain time for many, but I am pleased to see that many local businesses and organisations are still recruiting. I am confident that this Jobs Fair will be beneficial for those seeking new opportunities.”

Andy Long, UK Head of Resourcing for National Express, said:

"National Express has been recruiting all through lockdown and we are still recruiting now. We have changed how we carry out our recruitment and training processes to make them Covid-safe.

“So we are really looking forward to being part of this new, innovative online and app-based event - we're hoping we'll find some great people to start a career with National Express."

Employers can register their interest in participating in the event by contacting Mike Wood’s constituency office on 01384 913 123.