Olympics Games Makers Get Jobs Chance

Thousands of Games Makers and volunteers at the London Olympics and Paralympics are being invited to a jobs fair aimed at helping them get permanent work.

The event at Stratford Town Hall is the first in a number of events being put on by Job Centre Plus for those who helped to make London 2012 a huge success.

There are approximately 3,000 jobs available.

Employers taking part include Whitbread, Debenhams, Asda, Ocado, Regus, TK Maxx, Securitas, VSG, Greggs, Reed, Blue Arrow, Compass, London Legacy Development Corporation, Reds 10, Stagecoach, Rhythm Kitchen and Starbucks.

Among the Games Makers who will be attending is Dorothy, who graduated from university in 2011 and has been looking for a permanent job ever since.

She says she loved working at London 2012.

"It is something I will always cherish. I met people from all over the world and it was my job to make them happy. The team spirit was fantastic and that was what I really enjoyed - everyone helped each other and we were part of a great big supporting group."

One of her best memories is of Team GB athletes greeting her in the morning and then being amazed she was still smiling late in the evening.

"Of course, I'm smiling," she told them. "As long as there's a person here, I will be smiling."

Unsurprisingly, she is hoping to find a job that will use her positive outlook and practical experience of service. "I'm ready for it. I want to work."

Nick Steward of Job Centre Plus, who was in charge of recruiting staff for London 2012, said he is keen to maintain the impetus of the Games.

"This was the first time for some people that they had ever had jobs and we want to make sure the enthusiasm from the Games keeps going.

"We want to use this as a platform for east London and its workers so that they have a chance to show their potential."