Ards and North Down Borough Council's Labour Market Partnership held a Disability Employment and Support Day on 26 February at Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex.

The event drew jobseekers, parents, carers and people with disabilities or neurodiverse conditions. Around 20 exhibitors presented programmes, training, workplace support and inclusive employment options.

Participants discussed confidence building, CV assistance, reasonable adjustments, workplace accessibility and employment pathways with exhibitors.

The council's Labour Market Partnerships receive support from the Department for Communities to develop local employment action plans.

Mayor Councillor Gillian McCollum stated the event succeeded with good attendance and positive responses from visitors, carers and organisations. She added that the advice provided helped attendees and affirmed commitment to reducing employment barriers.

A separate job fair organised by the same partnership takes place on 19 March at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex from 11am to 2pm. It will feature around 60 exhibitors from various industries, employers discussing vacancies and skills, plus on-site interviews.

Free one-to-one services at the job fair include career planning, CV development and job search help from Department for the Economy Careers Service, Department for Communities Job Search Services, disability support groups and enterprise agencies. BSL interpreters will attend from 11am to 12:30pm.