DESPITE Tynedale having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at just 1.3 per cent, Hexham‘s MP Guy Opperman is determined to drive the figure down even lower.

For he has taken it upon himself to host a jobs fair next Thursday at the Beaumont Hotel in Hexham.

Working in conjunction with Hexham Job Centre and Punch Taverns, he has teamed up with 20 major local firms such as Egger, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and Homebase to offer a variety of different vacancies.

Mr Opperman said said: “For anyone looking for a job, or about to enter the labour market, or looking for a new opportunity, then this will hopefully be a great event.

“I would urge anyone interested to drop by on the day.”

Northumberland College will also be in attendance offering a range of skills training and apprenticeships.

Mr Opperman said: “Unemployment has fallen by more than half over the last parliament.

“However there are still challenges ahead, such as getting those people not yet in work into a job, and also to help local businesses find local people looking for a new opportunity and to develop their skills.”

The total number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants in Hexham constituency in June 2015 was 484. This the 474th lowest of the 650 UK constituencies.

The number of claimants is 149 lower than in June 2014 and 14 lower than in May 2015.

The event is free to attend and will take place between 10am and 4pm on a drop in basis.