THE end of the British beef ban has brought a major jobs boost in East Lancashire - with one meat processing company looking for an extra 60 workers.

KJ Recruitment, of Burnley, has been awarded the contract to find 20 butchers and 40 packers for permanent posts with a local firm.

The posts follow a build up of demand from major supermarket chains following the lifting of the beef ban.

Interviews will be held at Jobcentres throughout East Lancashire from today and the recruitment agency has launched a major press advertising campaign.

KJ Recruitment's managing director Kevin McKenna said that although the lifting of the ban was not the sole reason for the extra jobs, it was a major factor.

"It is good news for employment in the area and for the meat trade generally," he said.

Mr McKenna said the name of the East Lancashire firm involved was not being publicised because the company did not want direct applications from job seekers.

He said the local firm was owned by a major company based in Eire.

"These are all long-term jobs on on-going contracts," he added.

However local butchers say the lifting of the ban had not resulted in increased demand across their counters yet.

Jeffrey Driver, Bullocks butchers, of Burnley, said there had been no pick up in trade. "It will do eventually, but it will be a long job," he added.

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