London 2012: Newham tops security job hunt list
Almost 3,500 jobseekers in Newham are in the running to land temporary jobs as security workers at the Olympic Games.
Figures released by G4S, the private firm which has a contract to train and manage the staff on the Olympic Park, show about half of its expected workforce are from the six ‘host’ boroughs.
The Newham applicants are currently undergoing security training, screening, and vetting. Tasks will include checking bags and car boots.
They have been joined by 2,649 people from neighbouring Barking and Dagenham and Hackney, and a total of more 25,000 people London-wide.
But the process is not over, with just 10,400 roles up for grabs.
Mark Hamilton, managing director of G4S London 2012, said: “It was always our intention to mobilise a large part of our workforce from the six boroughs around the Olympic Park in East London.
“I am delighted that we are on target to secure the services of thousands of local people who will help make the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games safe and secure.
Most Read
- 1 Stratford roof-terrace restaurant destroyed by late-night fire
- 2 Homes under the Planner: Applications lodged and approved in Newham
- 3 Girl, 17, held on suspicion of terrorism offences after east London arrest
- 4 The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee flypast: Where, and when, the planes will fly over north and east London
- 5 Moyes gives warning after West Ham miss out on Europa League
- 6 Man dies after falling unwell in Stratford
- 7 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: Street parties and road closures in Newham
- 8 Man charged with fatal stabbing of woman in Custom House
- 9 Man held in murder probe after woman fatally stabbed in Custom House
- 10 'Unexplained': Man dies after being found unresponsive in Plashet Park
More than 105,000 people have applied for positions across the Olympic Park.
G4S was swamped with applicants when opened its training centre at the Rokeby School building in Pitchford Street in January.
Mr Hamilton added: “The scale of our operation is so big that it will have a massive positive impact on jobs. The people who we are recruiting are gaining precious work experience but also significant volumes of training that will stand them in good stead for a permanent job once the Olympics is over, either inside G4S or in the wider jobs market.
“This will be a practical, enduring and broad legacy of the London Games.”
