Mid Norfolk is creating lots of new jobs, especially in small businesses. However, as ever, it’s often very hard for jobseekers, or those considering a change, to discover and access the opportunities available (often just down the road!) – or for employers to find and connect with local candidates themselves.

That’s why, throughout my time as a local MP, I have made Rural Job Accessibility such a priority in my work, particularly through my project The Norfolk Way (see more here).

When I started as the Conservative Candidate for Mid Norfolk back in 2008, the local jobcentre was a very non-user friendly, often intimidating, place. Now based in the local Breckland District Council offices, it’s like a VIP departure lounge and is far better placed to cater for and HELP jobseekers with Universal Credit and job seeking. This is a huge step forward and a credit to the local DWP team and Breckland District Council. 

Indeed, having long been a big advocate of the brilliant local DWP team (supporting initiatives like their Kickstarts scheme to help 16-24 year olds get into, and then stay in, work), complimenting their work through the likes of the Norfolk Way Bursary Scheme and the Norfolk Enterprise Festival, I am delighted to now be in conversations with them about holding a Jobs Fair in Watton in the coming months.

More details will be posted in due course but I am excited to work with local councillors, the DWP and other local stakeholders to help connect local people with the wide variety of opportunities in our area – often with fulfilling and rewarding career paths available.

If YOU are local and looking to get into work, or wish to try something different, please do get in touch with via george.freeman.mp@parliament.uk to signal your interest in coming along. We want to help you find that exciting new opportunity.

If YOU are a local business looking to recruit, please also get in touch. We are passionate about connecting you to the right local candidates.