HUNDREDS of people and scores of businesses attended the latest York Job Fair this week.

The event was held at the York Railway Institute in Queens Street on Thursday, funded by City of York Council and organised by York Learning and Job Centre Plus.

Companies with positions on offer included Hiscox, Marks and Spencer, The Grand Hotel & Spa, Nestle and NHS York Teaching Hospital, and the event was aimed at anyone looking for employment, a change of career, and those wanting to develop new skills or qualifications.

The last jobs fair saw more than 800 people attend with 370 jobs on offer, and yesterday’s numbers were expected to be similar following a morning attendance of about 500.

Councillors David Carr and Keith Aspden visited the event, and said the council was committed to providing residents access to local jobs, and helping local businesses find staff and support.

Cllr Aspden said: “It was fantastic to go and visit the jobs fair and speak to some people there and also many of the different companies. I know year on year the fair is growing and different companies are taking part.

“It’s not just people who are looking for jobs but also people who are looking for a change in career. I spoke to quite a few of the stallholders and I know the reason they come back every year is that they always get a really good response in terms of numbers but also the underlying skills people have in York.”

Funding of £30,000 has just been confirmed by the council for six more job fairs to be held over the next three years, and Cllr Aspden said the events would continue to be monitored to ensure they were useful not just for the businesses, but also for York’s residents. He said: “It’s important every year to to review what careers and training opportunities are showcased at the events and to keep making sure existing and new companies to the city are able to go there and speak to the hundreds of people who attend.”

Cllr Carr said: “We’re committed to ensuring residents can access local jobs”.