HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend a jobs fair next week where more than 400 call centre posts will be on offer.

Representatives from leading companies such as Barclays, T Mobile, EDF Energy, Junction, Northern Rock and Citifinancial will attend the event at the Winter Gardens, in Sunderland, from 11am to 4pm on Thursday, hosted by Sunderland City Council.

Gary Barnfather, the council's call centre development officer, said: "The development of the industry is resulting in significant quality jobs being created, and we are committed to ensuring that a skilled workforce is readily available for investors, hence the forthcoming jobs fair.

"The 400 jobs available mark a vote of confidence in the city, so anyone considering a change in the future would benefit from seeing what a career in this industry could do for them."

Jobs Fair sponsor Paul Clark said: "The fair will provide a great opportunity for those people considering a career change to come along, chat openly to contact centre staff and really understand what great career opportunities there are in the sector."

For further information on the Contact Centre Jobs Fair, call 0191-501 7098.