Mop Fair sign ups

Around 50 business have responded to the call to help fill the skills gaps using a "medieval" recruitment event next month.

The businesses, from a variety of sectors, will be hoping to catch the eye of potential new recruits at this year's Stratford Mop Fair as they respond to the nationwide skills shortage.

Major companies including Royal Shakespeare Company, Orbit Housing and Coventry Building Society will be in attendance at the 'Job and Apprentice Fair', organised by Stratford District Council, on Tuesday, October 12.

Other organisations include the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the Arden Hotel, and the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

The Stratford Mop Fair, which is held each year in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre, usually consists of a funfair for the town's residents to enjoy.

But when it started in the 14th century it was used by landowners around Warwickshire to meet prospective workers after the Black Death had decimated the population.

Now - in the wake of the Covid pandemic - the first ever 'Job and Apprenticeship Fair' will be held at the Stratford Playhouse in Rother Street from 12 noon until 6pm to attract workers to fill the many shortages in the prominent hospitality and leisure industries in the district, as well as in several other sectors.

Cllr Matt Jennings, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and Leisure at Stratford District Council, said: "It's great to see such a fantastic response to the Job and Apprentice Fair, with businesses of all backgrounds getting involved.

"The fact that we have had enquiries from all sorts of organisations beyond those looking to fill hospitality and supply chain roles shows that the skills shortage extends to variety of sectors, and our presence at the Mop Fair is one way we are hoping to respond to this issue.

"By bringing together such a varied group we hope that we can help to put as many people as possible in touch with potential employers, so it will be worth coming along for anyone in search of employment or simply a change of career.

"There will be representatives from a range of sectors including education, nursing and care, as well as local bars, restaurants and hotels, with voluntary organisations and apprenticeship schemes also looking for new personnel.

"We are hoping to match this excellent interest from businesses with a great showing from the people of Stratford and anyone in the wider region thinking about their next step or looking to get back into work."

Anyone looking to take part or for further information should email recruitmentfair@stratford-dc.gov.uk