Witney News - Debenhams Hold Open Day for Witney Jobseekers

Debenhams Hold Open Day for Witney Jobseekers

Thirty five new local jobs are up for grabs, as Debenhams hosts an Open Day at Witney Jobcentre from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 15th August. At least twenty percent of the vacancies could be given to people who have been out of work longer than six months.

The new department store, which is due to open at the Marriott’s Close development on 29th October, is recruiting to fill full and part time positions including Supervisors, Visual Assistants, Business Support Assistants, Stock Movement Assistants and Sales Advisers.

Debenhams manager, Sandra Coulthard, is working with Witney’'s Jobcentre Plus to identify up to 30 applicants who are long term unemployed, as part of the nationwide Government-backed Local Employment Partnership initiative, which Debenhams has signed up for.

Sandra says: “We are committed to getting unemployed people, particularly those from disadvantaged groups such as lone parents, return to work mums or those on incapacity benefits, back to work. As part of this commitment, at least seven new jobs could be offered as a result of this initiative.

Gill Taylor at Jobcentre Plus in Witney explained: “We have worked closely with Debenhams to make sure we understand what their requirements are and take steps to help local people get ready for work.
“Local Employment Partnerships ensure that people who are most often overlooked in the labour market get the preparation and training that enables them to meet employers’ needs and expectations. The jobs opened up through LEPs are also available to the newly unemployed.

“Candidates will be supported by their personal adviser who can arrange training, work trials and mentoring.

“We have tailored our support to meet the needs of the Debenhams jobs and look forward to receiving applications.”

A two week assessment of all applicants follows Saturday’s Open Day, before successful candidates join Sandra for training on 28th September.
Applicants on the Local Employment Partnership scheme will have a separate assessment, which includes a special four-day training course at nearby Abingdon and Witney College.