More than 20 employers will be offering opportunities at a critical time at North West Leicestershire's first ever virtual job fair.

With businesses and employment impacted by Covid-19, the job fair will shine a light on the opportunities available across the district, interactively allowing jobseekers to explore these opportunities and make contact with employers.

North West Leicestershire District Council, Jobcentre Plus and Stephenson College would traditionally join forces to hold a jobs fair at the college during October, but with a face to face event impossible, this innovative new online fair will replace it.

A huge variety of companies are taking part, and these include:

• Amazon UK

• Arriva

• XPO Logistics

• Insomnia Coffee Company

• Hormann UK Ltd

• Various local councils

• Stephenson College

Oakland International, opened its new site in Bardon, Coalville, earlier this month, will also feature at the virtual fair as they look to recruit more than 200 staff before the end of the year.

The virtual event will open at 10am on the Tuesday, October 6, and close at midnight on 12 October, with visitors able to explore the site at their leisure.

The fair will use the Leicester Employment Hub website and can be found HERE

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration at NWLDC, said: "We are in challenging times and we need to do everything we can to ensure local people are being matched to opportunities and being kept in employment.

"We have a thriving local economy in North West Leicestershire with low unemployment rates – and we're determined to maintain that. Our face to face job fair wouldn't be safe but that hasn't stopped us from putting on an innovative new event that people can access from their own homes.

"If you know anyone looking for work, please send them the weblink and encourage them to get involved."

Lisa Craddock, Vice Principal Business Development at Stephenson College, said: "We are delighted to be working again with North West Leicestershire District Council and Coalville Job Centre on the annual Job Fair.

"While we are unable to host it here at Stephenson College this year due to the restrictions in place, we are excited to support the first Virtual Jobs Fair which we are sure will be a great success and will pave the way for more online events in the future.Leicester Employment Hub Manager Tracey Waterfield said: "We are delighted to be able to showcase a number of employment opportunities in North West Leicestershire.

The web page has been specifically created to make it easy for visitors to find the information they need to apply."

Emma Kendrick from Coalville's Jobcentre Plus, said: "Here at Coalville Job Centre we're delighted that, with our partners, we are able to deliver our annual Jobs Fair again in October that little bit differently.

"As always, we've been working closely with our partners at North West Leicestershire District Council and Stephenson College and we're looking forward to a successful virtual event."