Hundreds of jobs are on offer as Tees Valley employers start the countdown to the festive season and look for additional staff to cope with the Christmas rush. Jobcentre Plus has teamed up with major retailers and has organised events across the Tees Valley to give jobseekers the chance to find out more about the many jobs available.

One of the first events will be held at the vacant “Special Occasions” shop unit in Wellington Square, Stockton on Wednesday 30 August between 11am and 3pm. People will be able to apply for jobs with many high street names, including Marks and Spencer, Woolworths, Debenhams and WH Smith.

Dorothy Bowmaker from Jobcentre Plus said: “This is a great opportunity to get a bit of extra cash for Christmas or to take the first step towards returning to the workplace. A range of temporary and permanent jobs is available. The run-up to Christmas can be a great time of year to land a job because many of the jobs can lead to permanent work and the experience gained can also help in the future.”

Other events will be held on the following days:

• Tuesday 29 August, Darlington Jobcentre Plus, Crescent House, Woodland Road, 10.30am - 5pm
• Thursday 31 August, Darlington Jobcentre Plus, Crescent House, Woodland Road, 10.30am - 5pm
• Thursday 31 August, Billingham Forum Leisure Centre, 10am - 2pm
• Friday 1 September, Teesside Retail Park. The Action Team bus will be in the lay-by at the end of the main road into the park between 11am and 3pm
• Saturday 2 September, Grange Road Jobcentre Plus, Middlesbrough, 10am - 4pm

For information about the vacancies available across Tees Valley, contact Jobseeker Direct on 0845 60 60 234