Jobseekers are being urged to attend a free event where they can take part in workshops and meet potential employers.

MP Priti Patel is hosting a Get Witham Working event at Witham Public Hall, in Collingwood Road, next month.

The MP has invited nearly 400 local businesses to advertise vacancies and meet prospective workers.

Employers attending the event include Stansted Airport, Cofunds and Essex and Suffolk Water.

The employment fair, held in partnership with Witham JobCentre Plus, aims to boost economic growth and tackle unemployment.

Unemployment rates have improved in recent months, with 1,224 people in the Witham parliamentary constituency claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance in July, the lowest rate since December 2008.

Ms Patel said: “This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the wonderful businesses we have here in Witham and to show that Witham is open for business.

“We have a diverse and talented pool of entrepreneurs and small business leaders and it is vital to introduce Witham’s young people to these companies for their future employment opportunities.

“Witham is a great place to live and to work in and I want to ensure that young people and those out of work in Witham and Essex who are looking for work are able to see the vast number of opportunities available to them.”

The Get Witham Working event takes place on October 4, from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Admission is free. Visit priti4witham.com/get_witham_working for more information.