On Friday 1st September, Richard Harrington MP, held his sixth annual jobs fair in Watford Town Centre. 

There were over 70 local employers and 1,000 jobs available on the day. Over 4,000 people attended to speak to employers, as well get some CV advice or take part in a mock interview. Members of public could also attend seminars and work shops for free. 

Richard Harrington, Member of Parliament for Watford, said: 

"My annual Watford Jobs fair was held this month and I’m pleased to say it was a huge success.

It’s a day-long community event linking local companies with vacancies to those looking for a new job. With thanks to sponsors Camelot and Intu Watford the fair is completely free for those looking for a job and exhibiting companies.

This was the sixth annual jobs fair and we had 70 local companies and training providers recruiting for over 1,000 jobs. This year the fair was officially opened by David Gauke MP, Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions.

I believe the fairs are a success because they work in the way they are supposed to – they help people secure jobs. They are open to all, with managerial, full-time and technical jobs on offer, along with casual work for students, part-time roles for mums, first jobs and opportunities to change career.

The jobs fair also held skills seminars and CV advice sessions, with contributions from the Jobcentre, West Herts College, The National Careers Service and Watford and West Herts Chamber of Commerce.

What’s interesting about the Watford Jobs Fair is how it’s evolved over the years. Just over 1000 people came along to the very first one and they were mainly people who were unemployed and looking for a job. This year we had over 4000 people attend and, not only were there job seekers, but there were quite a few people who already had a job but were looking for a new one!

I’m very pleased that unemployment has fallen to its lowest figure in a decade here in Watford. On the day of the jobs fair, there were just over 1000 people on job seekers allowance, and over 1,400 jobs on offer in the Watford area! Since I was elected in 2010, unemployment has more than halved here in Watford! I like to think a little bit of that can be credited to the Watford Jobs Fair. I’m looking forward to planning next year’s fair already!"