THE impact of the recession has been felt strongly across East Lancashire, with around 6,500 more people claiming unemployment benefit compared to October.

With many traditional industries struggling, those who are out of work are increasingly looking to re-train.

And Jobcentre Plus in East Lancashire is reporting a surge in interest for jobs in social care, a sector which has vacancies.

The demand is so high that bosses held a major recruitment fair at Ewood Park, Blackburn, last week.

This brought more than 100 unemployed people face-to-face with potential employers. Companies such as Twin Valley Homes, Claimar, Bupa and Careforce were present at the event.

Staff from these companies were able to talk to job seekers, take their details and give them information on what a job in the sector entailed.

Jobcentre Plus bosses said it was unclear exactly what was causing social care to be so popular.

But they hoped that Thursday’s event could be the first of many.

Similar fairs are planned for Accrington and Burnley.

Sue Woods, who helped to organise the event for the Jobcentre, said it was vital that people were aware of the options open to them when it came to finding a job.

She said: “When we speak to people we ask them what sector they would like to work in and we are finding that a lot are looking towards social care.

“It’s been really positive to bring jobseekers and employers together and we hope that people will find work because of this event.”

Sue added: “Hopefully this will make it easier for people to realise what their options are. Bringing them face to face can have major benefits and really help them understand what is available to them.”

The event was hosted by Inspire to Independence, which delivers a range of programmes for the Jobcentre.

These may not be specific to social care, instead focusing on another sector that is seeing a demand for jobs.