LOCAL companies are being invited to a forum by a group spearheading a scheme to find jobs for disadvantaged people.

"Embracing Diversity"is being staged by Bury Employment Support & Training (Bury EST) at the town's Europa House in Barcroft Street tomorrow (Wed April 9)beginning at 8.30am.

Bury EST is heavily involved in "Embracing Diversity", collaborating with organisations to look at ways of finding work for disadvantaged sections of the community.

So far the scheme has resulted in 20 people being placed into permanent jobs. Now, Bury EST wants to build on that solid foundation.

Tomorrow's forum will focus on race. Bhavna Patel, an officer with the Manchester-based Commission for Racial Equality, will give a presentation entitled "Valuing Ethnicity in Employment."

And a forum employer will give a case study talk which will be followed by an open discussion on current and innovative recruitment and selection practices.

Bury EST has recently appointed Asghar Ali as a placement officer based at the Asian Development Association Bury (ADAB).

His role will be to assist in supporting clients who have difficulty in accessing the mainstream labour market and help overcome barriers such as language, services available and cultural barriers. Support will be provided for both employer and client to enhance a strong working relationship.

So far, around 30 local businesses have signed up to the Embracing Diversity initiative, but more are required.

For more information about the scheme and the forum, please ring Fred Bowen at Bury EST on 253 6588 or e-mail fred@buryest.org.uk instead.