HUNDREDS of new opportunities will be on offer for jobseekers at a fair organised by our sister paper The Oxford Times.

Oxford Town Hall will be the venue for the first Oxford Times Jobs Fair of the year on Friday, February 17.

It follows two successful recruitment events at the St Aldate's venue last year, the first in February and the second in September.

The first ever Oxford Times Jobs Fair in February last year, attracted about 1,500 jobseekers – and organisers are hoping it will be just as busy on February 17.

That event saw staff from 35 employers manning exhibition stands. There were 38 employers in September, including high street giant Marks & Spencer.

Other exhibitors included sponsors Day and Nightcare Assistance, South Central Ambulance Service, NHS Blood and Transport, Tesco, Andrews Property Service, Grundon Waste Management, Age UK Oxfordshire, and parcels firm Hermes.

Newsquest jobs fair coordinator Belinda Rand said: "The first jobs fair in February last year was such a success that we were asked to stage a second one in September, and we are sure our next event at the town hall will be equally successful.

"We expect major employers who were there last year to attend along with some new names.

"It's a great opportunity for people who are looking for a change of direction, or a change of career.

"They should definitely put the date in their diaries because there will be hundreds of jobs on offer."

The main hall of the town hall has proved a popular venue for employers with plenty of space to set up their exhibition stands.

Staff from Jobcentre Plus were at the jobs fair in September to give advice to jobseekers and with unemployment in Oxfordshire low, firms at the town hall competed to sign up new recruits.

At the event in September Scott Kilby, manager of Tesco in Botley, said jobseekers wanted to work for Tesco to 'build a career or for a second job'.

David Wiffen, lettings area manager for Andrews, told how one member of staff who was recruited at the February fair was swiftly promoted to the post of full-time negotiator.

John Maloney, managing director of Day and Nightcare Assistance, said prospective employees came to their stand to pick up information and interviews were then arranged for care worker posts.

The fair will run from 10am to 3pm.

To book a stand telephone Belinda Rand on 01865 425361 or email brand@nqo.com