A free weekly jobs fair in Enfield Island Village was launched this morning to help people gain the confidence to find work.

The fair coincides with latest figures showing unemployment in the borough is higher than in the rest of London

The jobs fair, which was attended by the Mayor of Enfield, Councillor Christiana During and Councillor Christine Hamilton, aims to help unemployed people in the borough find work in difficult times.

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics showed 10,551 people in the borough were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, which amounts to 5.5 per cent of the population.

Although jobless figures have gone down by 0.1 per cent since December 2011, it remains one per cent higher than the London average and 1.5 per cent higher than the national average, which currently stands at four per cent.

Cllr Hamilton said: “The fact unemployment figures are up again just shows how important the jobs fair is. This is quite a result.

“I think it is fantastic and is something I think will help people and carry on helping young people a lot. It is about supporting them and making them valued members of our community.

“The fair is for people in Enfield Lock to get support and help to feel confident. It is not a one-off event, which says a lot about our commitment.”

The fair was financed by Job Centre Plus, Enfield Island Village Trust, London & Quadrant Group and the Enfield Residents Priority Fund, a £2.1 million fund provided by the council to address social, economic or environmental needs in the borough.

The mayor said: “It is great to see the people at the fair creating their own opportunities.

“The money has really been put into good use and has provided a great service for the people.”

She said she would encourage more people who are looking for employment to come along to future fairs for practical advice.

About 30 people of all ages attended the fair, which included tips for creating the perfect CV and help with interview technique. Job vacancies on offer in Enfield were also advertised.

The fair will run from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Community Centre, 42 Centre Island Way, every Wednesday.