A STAGGERING 1,900 jobs are up for grabs as the Sussex economy continues to thrive.

There are currently 4,520 people out of work in Brighton and Hove, of whom 800 are aged 18-24.

But youth unemployment is well below the national rate and since 2010 that figure has more than halved in the city.

Now Brighton Jobcentre is organising a large jobsfair on November 7 “to respond to increased demand from employers”.

Steve Benwell, relationship manager, Brighton and Hove, estimates there are about 200 jobs on offer.

These are mainly in retail, security, drivers, warehouse, marketing, construction and care.

At the same time, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is recruiting for 200 new positions, all based at the company’s head office and manufacturing plant in Goodwood.

And more than 1,500 jobs are on offer, from almost 50 employers, at the Gatwick Job Fair being held on Thursday.

Mr Benwell said: “We have organised a good number of recruitment events over the past couple of months with each seemingly being more successful than the last.

“This jobsfair will be another great opportunity for local people to find out about the jobs on offer in the city and get themselves in front of those local employers who are currently recruiting.

“As always, we will also have free and confidential careers advice on hand for those who are perhaps unsure as to their career options or who want tips on successful job-searching.”

Companies such as Marks and Spencer, Network Rail, Yodel, and Boots will be looking for new staff.

Gordon Scott, M&S head of region for Home Counties South, said, “Every year we value the additional colleagues who help us deliver even better service for the local community.

“While retail experience is helpful, what we’re really after are colleagues who are ready to roll their sleeves up and be part of a hard-working team.”

The new roles at Rolls Royce are available across all skilled production areas.

These include wood, leather, assembly, test and finish, paint and logistics.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls Royce Motor Cars, said, “I am delighted to announce our new recruitment programme.

“This reflects not only the success of Rolls Royce Motor Cars to date but also our confidence in the future of our business.

“Rolls Royce continues to strive for long-term sustainable growth and we remain fully committed to luxury manufacturing at our Home here in Great Britain.”

More than 1,500 jobs are on offer – from almost 50 employers – at the next Gatwick Job Fair, the airport announced.

Meanwhile, Gatwick is the largest employer in the region and currently supports 24,000 on-airport jobs.

Proposals set out recently in Gatwick’s draft master plan could also potentially generate a further 8,000 on-airport jobs and £2 billion of economic benefit.

A wide variety of career opportunities are on offer at the Fair with employers representing retailers, hospitality, food and beverage providers, engineering teams, airlines and their handling agents, operations and support companies.

Work coaches from a range of companies will be on hand to support visitors to the fair – and in particular less confident job seekers with Crawley College, Jobcentre Plus, Employ Crawley and Croydon Works also attending.

Presentations on recruitment-related topics will also be given by a variety of different employers.

Employers looking for new recruits include British Airways, Norwegian Airlines, DHL, Jamie Oliver Group, Wagamama, Pret A Manger and Nando’s.

Dixons Travel, Hugo Boss UK Ltd, Moneycorp, WH Smith, Next, Hamleys, World Duty Free, Govia Thameslink Railway, Border Force, Kier Construction, Sussex Police, North Air, and Wilson James will also be looking for new staff.

Gatwick’s Job Fair will take place on Thursday at the Aurora Hotel in Crawley from 8.30am until 6pm.

Andrew Currie, head of recruitment, Gatwick Airport, said: “Gatwick is the employment base for more than 24,000 people and the Job Fair will once again showcase a wide and diverse range of opportunities available for local people.”