A free jobs fair later this month is a “superb opportunity” for people who are looking for work and living in Enfield, according to MP Nick de Bois.

More than 40 companies with positions available, including Virgin Media, Tesco and Greggs, will attend the fair on February 10, at the Southbury Leisure Centre in Southbury Road.

Mr de Bois, Enfield North MP, said: “The message is that I, as an MP, can’t create jobs but I can bring together those people who are looking and those who are offering work.

“In that sense, it is a superb opportunity for some direct action, so I hope we have got the message out there.”

He said that although the public sector jobs market was difficult, there were many jobs available in the private sector.

He added: “It is important to come along and be clear in what you want to achieve. If you are talking to an employer, make sure you know what you are looking for.

“Come with an open mind, be prepared to take your time, attend some of the seminars and do some homework on the companies.”

Unemployment rose by 1,624 across the borough in the past 12 months, with a rise also in youth unemployment.

In Mr de Bois’ constituency, the number of young people out of work currently stands at 970.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson will open the fair, where there will also be 83 apprenticeships available for people wanting careers as florists, hairdressers, estate agents, accounting assistants and care workers.

Career advice and future vacancies will be on offer from Barclays Bank, the Army and the London Fire Brigade.

Mr de Bois said that even if a person’s first job was not the position they wanted for the rest of their career, it was a way to meet people and would increase their chances of obtaining other roles in the future.

He added that in Enfield, many employers were not signed up to job centres, so this would provide a link between employer and employee.

More than 1,000 people attended the event last year.

The fair runs from 10am to 3pm and people are welcome to drop in throughout the day.