WEARSIDE JobCentres will open on Saturday morning as the Christmas jobs rush starts.

Up to 300 posts will be available at the Sunderland, Washington and Southwick offices as stores and employment agencies recruit more workers for the seasonal spending boom.

JobCentre staff will also get into the Christmas spirit by decorating their premises and playing Christmas carols. There may even be a visit from Santa Claus.

Margaret Moor, district manager for JobCentre Plus, in Sunderland, said: "This is an important annual event in our recruitment calendar.

"Last year over 1,500 people attended the jobs fairs and the employers were very impressed by the calibre of applicants and considered this to be a quick and cost effective way of filling their vacancies.

"JobCentres in Sunderland, Washington and Southwick will be open to offer access to the full range of Christmas vacancies available to people in Sunderland.''

Applicants will be able to have an informal chat with employers and use the Jobpoint facilities to access other vacancies.

Job seekers will also have the opportunity to complete application forms on the day.

They are asked to take any relevant information with them when they visit the JobCentre. This could include their CV, record of achievement and references.

Back up North and Job Linkage will also be attending to give advice to unemployed people who wish to start work and to help people fill in application forms.

The JobCentres will be open from 10am to 2pm.