Mop job fair attracts dozens amid worker shortage

Published: 15:42, 17 October 2021

Stratford Mop Fair went back to its roots this week with the inclusion of a ‘medieval’ job and apprentice fair within the event.

Stratrford College students Hannah Fulbrook, Morgan Betteridge, Ellen Tompkins-Coll, Jack Kearns and Toby Holmes visited the Jobs and Aprrentice Fair at Stratford PlayHouse on Tuesday where they were pictured on the Springfield Mind stand with their representatives Jan Dugdale, CEO, Deanna Richards, HR and payrole, Paol Stuart, trainer, and Carol Roberts, chair of trustees. Also pictured was event organiser Cllr Matt Jennings, SDC portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism, and Rebecca Hallworth of Stratford playHouse. Photo: Mark Williamson. P21/10/21/9628. (52195300)

While today the Mop is best known for its thrilling rides and attractions, when it started back in the 14th Century, the event was used by landowners around the county to meet prospective workers, after the Black Death had decimated the population.

Harking back to the fair’s original purpose, dozens of jobseekers descended on Stratford this week to speak to employers from a range of sectors to find work.

A mix of around 50 businesses, covering sectors such as hospitality, tourism, are and manufacturing, all of whom were looking to hire, were represented at the job fair at Stratford Playhouse.

In the wake of the pandemic there are many worker shortages, particularly in the hospitality and leisure industries that are prominent within Stratford District.

Nationally job vacancies are currently at a 20-year high.

Stratford-upon-Avon Ben Lugg