BLACKBURN Jobcentre is holding a special event next week to help over-50s get into work.

It has been welcomed by East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Mike Damms who wants a similar specialist jobs fair in Burnley.

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The invitation-only event will be held at Blackburn Jobcentre Plus office from 10am to 2pm. on October 9.

Across East Lancashire’s seven boroughs there are 3,800 people aged 50 to 64 registered as unemployed, a rate of 4.9 per cent rising to 6.1 per cent in Blackburn with Darwen.

A Jobcentre spokeswoman said: “We will be specifically targeting the over 50 customer group as this was a claimant group that was felt by our staff that was in need of additional support locally. We have already confirmed around 10 employers, both national and local, with over 150 vacancies on offer on the day.”

Mr Damms said: “This is a really good idea.

“We have many older workers with skills, a history of employment and a work ethic we don’t want to lose.

“I want to see similar events for older people looking for jobs elsewhere in East Lancashire, starting in Burnley.”

Burnley MP and government apprenticeships ambassador Gordon Birtwistle said: “This is a great move. We cannot afford to lose these skilled and motivated people from the workforce.

“We need them to pass expertise on to apprentices. I want a similar jobs fair in Burnley.”

Blackburn with Darwen council regeneration boss Maureen Bateson said: “Older people have a lot to offer the workplace and are often ignored. I strongly support this event.”

Rossendale and Darwen Tory MP Jake Berry said: “I shall be holding my own jobs fair for Rossendale on October 31 at Fearns School in Stacksteads. Age is no bar to attendance.”

Hyndburn Labour MP Graham Jones said: “We need our older generation to stay healthy and productive. Work, even part-time, can help people stay fit and avoid depression.”