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Eager jobseekers back to work thanks to Sunemployment’s roadshow in Manchester
Dozens of jobs at Tesco, Halfords, Openreach, Premier Inn and Travelodge were offered to our eager readers
JOBSEEKERS slapped on the Factor 50 and braved the heatwave to wow employers at our final Sunemployment Roadshow in Manchester on Wednesday - as it emerged over 150 Sun readers are already back in work thanks to The Sun this week.
Firms including Tesco, Halfords, OpenReach, Premier Inn and Travelodge have all offered jobs to Sun readers on the spot while dozens of other have lined up interviews and work trials.
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Sunemployment Roadshow host Jeremy Kyle said: “The Sun has been out in more way than one this week - and you’ve shined a light on how many Brits really want to work.”
Among the lucky jobseekers in Manchester was plucky Fiona Harlowe who secured THREE interviews with Hilton, Butlins and Greene King.
Fiona, from Miles Platting, Manchester, said: “I’ve been looking for work for three months and it’s been a real slog.
"I’ve been applying for lots of jobs online and never hearing anything back which is really disheartening.
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The 41-year-old added: “I’ve got three great options now so I’m totally chuffed with how today has gone. It’s so much easier to show employers what you’ve got with face to face interaction.”
Bubbly Jennifer Anderson impressed recruiters at AO who interviewed her on the spot. The 57-year-old, from Levenshulme, Manchester, is now through to an assessment day for AO.com’s Salford call centre.
Jennifer, a part-time DJ, said: “Sometimes us oldies get forgotten about so it’s great to speak to a company that don’t see my age as a barrier.
"I’m a chatty, friendly person so I think I’ll really suit the job. It’s fantastic to be able to sit and chat to an employer face to face - there should be more jobs fairs like the Sunemployment Roadshow.”
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And enthusiastic Ashley Simcock, 35, was interviewed for a position in AO’s sales team.The 35-year-old who is visually-impaired said: “It’s been so positive to be able to come here today and meet people with jobs to offer.”
Ashley was cheered by our expert panel member Seema Flower, who is also blind and runs work consultancy Blind Ambition.
She said: “I want to see more companies hiring disabled staff.
"We have to fight harder to get work so when we find a role we work harder to keep it and we’re loyal to a firm for giving us that chance.”
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Our Manchester jobs bonanza was hosted by Apprentice star Michelle Dewberry.
She urged the crowd to make the most of the hundreds of work opportunities on offer, saying: “The Sunemployment Roadshow is your foot in the door.
"It removed hurdles to applying for work and gets you straight under the noses of employers. Go out there now and get an interview!”
My View
By Jeremy Kyle
THE Sunemployment Roadshows bring the Best of British out in full force. There were queues around the block as people from all backgrounds braved the heatwave and carried on their search for the job they hoped might to transform their life.
From amazing single mums trying to find a way to fit work around their families to Rob, a lovely guy trying to get companies to see past his age and acknowledge the years of industry experience he could wield for their benefit instead.
The standout for me was Oliver, a guy who’d been jobless since 2011 and yet who on Monday became the first in four generations of his family to actually find work. Too many doubters close to him had said “you’ll never achieve anything,” or “waste of time!” Some were probably lapping up the sun in their swimsuits while Oliver pulled out all the stops to come suited and booted to a Sunemployment Roadshow. The fact that he left with a job and filled full of pride will make those doubters’ faces red with more than sunburn now.
With temperatures soaring, I expected numbers to be down but far from downing tools for fun in the sun, the crowds flocked in to find work with The Sun instead. Fair play to everyone who was there and especially the 150 newly hired workers who, like Oliver, transformed their lives after resolving to give the Sunemployment Roadshows a go.
Michelle was joined by Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service.
Sue revealed her first very job was working in McDonalds and encouraged jobhunters telling them: “Start in a job - any job - then work hard and aim high. I’m proof you can do it.”
Sue was backed up by Rob Zajko, Senior Director Talent Acquisition at Hilton Hotels.
He told how one in ten jobs worldwide are now in the hospitality industry saying: “Start local in hospitality and you can end up working anywhere in the world.”
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The hotel boss also inspired the hundreds of jobseekers to look for work outside of their previous sectors saying: “Examine your core skills like customer service or working in a team. You can use these in almost any industry so think widely and never limit yourself.”
Sarah McGuire, Group Head of Recruitment, Manchester Airport revealed her top trick for jobhunters. She said: “Send in your online application then go one step further.
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Jeremy Kyle hosts the panel for the Sunemployment road show day two in Birmingham
"Ring the company’s HR department, tell the who you are and why you want the job - it will ensure you stand out and build that personal connection.”
And Nick Mellor from JobCentre Plus closed the event, reminding jobseekers: ‘If you’re out of work, I know it’s hard but stay confident, stay in touch with employers, stay in touch with the Job Centre and with initiatives like Sunemployment.
"I see hundreds of people get work every week - so sick at it and it will happen to you.”
- GOT a story? Ring The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or email [email protected].
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