A STORE is offering 200 temporary jobs in the run-up to Christmas.

And 20 unemployed people in the Gateshead and South Tyneside will be guaranteed an interview if they take a three-day course.

Marks and Spencer in the MetroCentre, Gateshead, needs extra staff for the seasonal rush as it is opening from 9am to midnight.

The jobs are throughout the store and working hours range from 16 to 37.

The course, run by the Employment Service, South Tyneside Council and Jigsaw Training, will teach interview preparation, confidence building and presentation style. It will be held from next Wednesday to Friday, September 28. Free travel from local JobCentres and lunch and will be provided.

Patricia Dunn, Employment Service marketing manager, said: "The 200 temporary Christmas jobs on offer with Marks and Spencer are of course open to anybody to apply. But we are working with the company and Jigsaw Training to give people who need that little bit of extra help the chance to apply on an equal footing.

"This could be someone who is returning to work or perhaps might be bringing children up alone, or doesn't think that they have the right skills and experience to work in the retail sector.

"Marks and Spencer enjoy a reputation as a good employer and offer many benefits to staff.

"One of the biggest benefits they can offer people who work for them in the run-up to Christmas is, as well as experience, the possibility that their job could become permanent.''

For further details, call Patricia Dunn on 0191-451 4243 or 0191-451 4304.