The Aspers Group has revealed details of its flagship casino at Westfield Stratford City opening in December with the promise of upto 440 jobs for local people.

The major new addition to the entertainment and leisure offer in the heart of East London also brings with it real economic and social benefits to local Newham residents through jobs, training and investment.

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, said:” The Aspers casino forms a significant part of our plans for transforming Newham into a major leisure and entertainment, and tourist destination.

“Aspers will create more than 300 jobs for local people and most of these are people who have been long-term unemployed. We are committed to work with Aspers to provide training to help develop these jobs into fulfilling careers.”

Aspers Westfield Stratford City is the first casino of its kind to open in the UK and offers both immediate and long term employment opportunities, providing up to 440 permanent jobs. Aspers, working alongside Workplace, Newham Council’s job brokerage scheme, is committed to ensuring that local people benefit from the employment opportunities created in the new leisure and entertainment destination.

In addition, Aspers will support Workplace in delivering its recruitment service by paying �50,000 a year for five years

The 440 permanent jobs will comprise a mixture of entry-level and more skilled professional positions. The vast majority of these jobs do not require any formal qualifications as on-the-job training will be provided. Roles at Aspers Casino Westfield Stratford City include croupiers, poker dealers, cashiers, slot technicians, bar staff and chefs, guest relations and cleaners. Recruitment for these positions is well underway, with more than 70% of positions filled by Newham residents.

Delia Osei-Kwaku, a graduate who had just completed her HR degree at Middlesex University is now working in the casino as an HR/payroll assistant, said: “I am really grateful to be given the opportunity by Workplace and Aspers to get into this tailor-made position and get my HR career on the road.”

Aspers and Newham Workplace are also developing pre- and post- employment training requirements to aid career progression. Further training for specific positions in the gaming or hospitality components of the casino will be delivered in conjunction with The Skills Place Newham, a retail, hospitality and leisure academy.. Established employees will be encouraged to gain further qualifications, such as NVQs and even a Foundation Degree, with Aspers paying up to 100% of the associated expenses.

Once recruited, all employees receive training in Aspers’ commitment to ensuring socially responsible gambling. This also includes general induction training, health and safety at work and compliance with the obligations under the Money Laundering Regulations, the Licensing Acts and the Gambling Act.

In addition, Aspers are enthusiastic supporters of the Backing Young Britain Campaign, which is aimed at getting young people between the ages of 18 and 24 into work.