A recruitment partnership between Jurys Inn Leeds and Jobcentre Plus in Leeds has been celebrated with the signing of a local Service Level Agreement.

The new hotel on Kendall Street, Brewery Wharf, is due to open today, Friday 27^th February and Jobcentre Plus has successfully filled approximately 50 jobs prior to the official opening.

Jobcentre Plus Field Account Manager, Angela Battye, worked closely with Jurys Inn Leeds HR personnel to develop and design the local agreement, which included sifting and matching application forms as well as providing Jobcentre Plus facilities for interviews.

The recruitment package also included a Job Guarantee Programme. The seven week programme was devised in partnership with Leeds City Council for applicants who required additional training to meet Jurys Inn Leeds recruitment requirements.

Jurys Inn Leeds were keen to recruit people who had previously faced barriers into employment and all applicants who successfully completed the training programme were guaranteed a Guest Service Staff position at the new hotel.

Jobcentre Plus National Sales Director, Chris Bloor visited the Hotel last week and was on hand to sign the local Service Level Agreement on behalf of Jobcentre Plus.

Chris said:

"We are delighted to be working in partnership with Jurys Doyle Hotel Group Plc and the signing of the Service Level Agreement outlines our commitment to working with Jurys Doyle to address all of their recruitment and retention issues. The Job Guarantee Programme proved to be a great success, and Jobcentre Plus is committed to working in partnership with Leeds City Council to ensure we continue to meet the recruitment requirements of the new hotel"

Jurys Doyle Hotel Group’s Development and Training Manager for UK and Ireland, Edward Gallier, said:

"We are delighted to be working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and the signing of the Service Level Agreement highlights our confidence that they will continue to meet the recruitment requirements of our new Leeds hotel."

Jobcentre Plus has been working with Jurys Doyle Hotel Group Plc throughout the UK and is expected to sign a National Service Level Agreement with the company in April 2004.