A SPECIAL jobs fair is to be held in Skipton on Thursday (February 8)  aimed at helping former employees of Keelham Farm Shop.

Following a meeting in the town hall last week organised by town councillor Brian McDaid and aimed at giving advice to members of staff left high and dry following the unexpected closure of the business just after Christmas, a jobs fair and information event is to be held at Skipton Town Hall on Thursday.

The event, which is being organised with Skipton Jobcentre, will give former members of staff a chance to meet local employers and to find out about current vacancies and employment opportunities, as well as receive help and advice on cost of living support, debt advice, and help with health and wellbeing.

There will also be help on offer in writing CVs, details about free training and 'upskilling' opportunities, and information about benefits and entitlements. Rebecca Rice, employer/partnership advisor at Skipton Jobcentre, said the event was open to all, but primarily to former Keelham workers.

She said: "It has been wonderful to see the community pull together to support all those affected by the Keelham Farm closure. Following last week’s redundancy talk and meeting held by Councillor Brain McDaid for ex Keelham Farm staff, this event was an idea borne after hearing directly from the former employees stating the support they needed and the impact the loss of employment has had on them.

"Following Tyro Training kindly donating their space and refreshments for the redundancy talk, Skipton Town Hall have donated the use of their wonderful Concert Hall to host this event bringing local employers and providers together to offer employability advice and opportunities.

"This event is first and foremost for the Keelham Farm ex-employees but is open for public attendance for anyone looking for employability support and recruitment opportunities. No tickets are required, this is an open event for drop ins."

She added all the stands for the event were almost all taken, and she expected it to be full by early next week, but if any business wanted to attend, to get in touch and she would hopefully find space.

Cllr Brian McDaid added: "Many thanks to the local Job Centre for arranging this fantastic event so quickly to help those affected by the Keelham Farm Shop closure, but also anyone else in the community looking to enhance their employment opportunities in the area."

Thursday's (February 8) event will take place at Skipton Town Hall, from 10am to 1pm.