Key funding for Northern Ireland's voluntary sector drops 64 percent from £25 million to £9.2 million each year starting in April. The reduction threatens hundreds of positions across charities and community groups.

The Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair runs Tuesday, March 24 from 10am to 2pm at Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast. Charities, community organisations and social enterprises meet candidates seeking paid roles or volunteer positions.

Northern Ireland has the UK's highest economic inactivity rate. Community programmes support job entry, wellbeing and local economies. Chris Bunce, co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said groups assess staffing to preserve services amid the cuts. He noted the sector supports health, employability and community stability, with lost expertise hard to replace.

The event aids workers in at-risk roles to find openings elsewhere in the sector. It enables efficient hiring by centralising employers and applicants. Bunce said such gatherings cut costs and sustain talent pipelines.

The last fair listed over 270 jobs and 335 volunteer spots. It drew more than 465 applications and secured hires across Northern Ireland.

Groups from health, social care, housing, education, environment and community development take part. Around 30 stands available on first-come, first-served basis. Details at charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair.