Liverpool Town Hall has held a jobs, homes and enterprise fair for the people of Merseyside.
‘Living Local, Working Local’, an event run by the Plus Dane Group, filled the Dale Street building with business, employment and housing stalls where the general public were able to access a range of advice and support.
Erika Rushton, Neighbourhoods Director of Plus Dane Group, told JMU Journalism: “Living Local, Working Local brings together major employers, enterprise agencies and support and advisory services, which between them will be advertising hundreds of job and apprentice opportunities.
“[They will also be] offering a wide range of support on anything from starting up a business to money management advice, as well as the chance to view vacant Plus Dane homes available in the Liverpool city region. It’s a great opportunity for anyone looking for a new job or a new home to get a wide range of support all under one roof.”
Statistics from Liverpool City Council show that between July 2012 and June 2013 in Merseyside, 66% of people were in employment, almost 4% lower than Great Britain’s national total of 70%.
Mike Mercer from Liverpool in Work has advised attendees to have their “CV prepared and available, be positive, talk to people on the stalls and take as much information away with you as you can”.
Labour councillor Nick Small told JMU Journalism: “Housing and employment are often linked, as insecure housing can be a barrier to getting and staying in a job. It’s also right – with the introduction of the bedroom tax – that we should be helping affected tenants to get into work and progress in work as they’ll be better off. That’s why I welcome the Homes and Jobs Fair Plus Dane has organised and pleased to support it.”