IT'S A GOOD news week for job-hunters with the announcement of more than 350 new vacancies for Warrington workers.

Nearly 300 part-time openings are being made available at the BT call centre at Gemini Business Park - and 80 fresh opportunities are being created with another do-it-yourself development for the town. Recruitment has already begun for the telecommunications expansion scheme, which will swell the call centre's 1,500 strong workforce over the next few weeks.

It is expected DIY giants B and Q will also soon begin hiring for a planned distribution centre.

The double delight - which should provide employment hopes for both young and old - was welcomed by borough council leader John Gartside on Wednesday night.

"The council is delighted that B and Q has reaffirmed its commitment to the town by these expansion proposals," Clr Gartside told the

GUARDIAN.

"The company is a leader in providing opportunities for a wider age group," added Clr Gartside, "offering employment prospects for the over-50s and we would welcome this practice." Contracts for a nationwide network of distribution centres for the repairs giants have been awarded to the Hays Business Group.

Confirming that Warrington had been chosen as a location, a Hays spokeswoman revealed that the centre would probably be operational in two or three months. But developers have yet to pinpoint an exact location.

"There will primarily be jobs for warehouse operatives, heavy goods vehicle drivers and some managerial staff," she added.

More than 200 people are already employed in the firm's warehouse centre, in Newton Road, and Milner Street store.

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