Thousands want new jobs
Published: 10:03, 02 December 2011
People queued around the block for the chance to work at a new garden centre.
Dobbies Garden World held a recruitment day at the King Charles Hotel in Gillingham on Wednesday .
As hundreds of public sector workers staged a walk-out over pensions, some job hunters queued for more than an hour to fill in an application form. It is estimated more than 1,000 people turned up to register for just 120 positions. Around 2,000 people have also registered online.
Dobbies general manager Kevin Hadlow (above) said: “At one point people were queuing through the hotel, across the car park and down the road.
“We have had all sorts of people come along. Some who are unemployed, others who are looking to change jobs.
“There have been quite a few public sector workers; we’ve has prison wardens, ambulance staff and firemen.”
Unemployed Martin Boorman, 19, from Rainham, was one of the people who filled in an application.
He said: “I’m willing to do anything. I just need a job. There isn’t a lot around at the moment.”
Dobbies Garden World opens next to Tesco in Courteney Road, Gillingham in spring next year.
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