by Trevor Sturgess

Maidstone's newest hotel aims to take on long-term unemployed to fill many of its 30 new jobs.

Travelodge, a 113-bedroom budget hotel that opens in January in St Peter’s Street, Maidstone, has launched a recruitment drive with Job Centre Plus.

The business is hiring entry level staff through a scheme that focuses on getting the local long-term unemployed back in to work.

The jobs on offer for “enthusiastic, motivated and committed” individuals include receptionists, night receptionists, guest room cleaners, head of housekeeping and linen porters.

Wesley Brown, Travelodge district manager for Kent, said: “I am looking forward to bringing the best team together, to help make Maidstone Central Travelodge a great success.

"At Travelodge, we believe in developing our people and offer an excellent training and career advancement programme. The company’s ethos is to ensure staff find their work enjoyable and fulfilling.”

Tonbridge Jobcentre Plus local account manager Jonathan Smoker said: “We are very pleased to be working with Travelodge to fulfil their recruitment needs and help our customers back into work.”

The Maidstone Central Travelodge has provoked controversy, with some residents complaining about the design in such a prominent riverside location.

It is one of more than 390 hotels operated by the chain in the UK, Ireland and Spain. It employs 5,000 people and is owned by Dubai International Capital, a private equity firm that bought it from Permira in 2006 for £675 million.

More details about Maidstone jobs on 01622 702700 or at www.travelodge.co.uk/careers.