Brighton jobseekers set for June chance to meet employers face to face

Brighton jobseekers will have a chance to meet employers face to face this June, as a major jobs fair returns to the city.

The Brighton & Hove Jobs Fair is scheduled for Wednesday 10 June 2026 at the Brighton Centre, running from 10am to 1pm. The event is free to attend with a ticket and has a 1,000-candidate ticket allocation, giving local residents the opportunity to meet employers in person, apply for roles and browse vacancies across different sectors.

For anyone looking for work, thinking about changing jobs or hoping to return to employment after time away, the event could provide a useful route into Brighton’s labour market. Jobs fairs can be particularly valuable because they move recruitment beyond online applications and allow candidates to speak directly to employers.

That face-to-face contact matters. A CV or online form does not always show someone’s confidence, communication skills, attitude or willingness to learn. A short conversation with an employer can help candidates make a stronger impression and ask practical questions about roles before applying.

For Brighton and Hove residents, the fair comes at a time when many households are still under financial pressure. Secure work, better hours or a pay rise can make a significant difference to rent, bills, food costs, transport and savings. But finding the right opportunity is not always straightforward.

Some jobseekers may be looking for their first role. Others may be trying to move from part-time to full-time work, change sector, return after caring responsibilities or find a job with more predictable pay. A jobs fair gives people the chance to compare options in one place and understand what employers are really looking for.

The event could be useful for people interested in hospitality, retail, care, administration, customer service, logistics, leisure, public services, construction, digital roles and entry-level professional jobs. Brighton has a broad economy, with employers ranging from independent businesses and visitor-economy firms to public-sector bodies, charities, universities and larger regional companies.

For employers, the fair offers a way to meet local candidates quickly. Recruitment can be expensive and time-consuming, and online job adverts can produce large numbers of applications that are difficult to sort. Meeting people in person can help employers identify candidates who may not have the perfect CV but have the right attitude and potential.

It can also help employers explain their offer more clearly. Jobseekers increasingly want to know about pay, hours, flexibility, progression, training and workplace culture. A recruitment stand gives businesses a chance to answer those questions directly and show why people should want to work for them.

Pay clarity is especially important. The report from Access Paycircle highlights how payroll errors and delays can affect worker happiness, with almost half of UK workers having experienced unhappiness because of a payslip error or delay. For jobseekers, that underlines why it is worth asking employers about payroll processes, pay dates, overtime, deductions and how issues are handled.

For people already feeling financial strain, uncertainty over pay can be stressful. A new job should ideally bring more stability, not more anxiety. Candidates attending the Brighton fair should feel comfortable asking practical questions about pay arrangements, whether roles are salaried or hourly, how shifts are recorded and when wages are paid.

The event may also help career changers. Brighton has many workers in service industries who may have transferable skills but are unsure how to move into another sector. Customer service, teamwork, organisation, problem-solving and communication are valuable in many roles. Speaking to employers directly can help people understand where those skills might fit.

Young people and students may also benefit. Brighton’s student population is large, and many people are looking for part-time work, graduate roles or first steps into a career. A jobs fair can help them understand the difference between temporary work, apprenticeships, trainee roles and long-term career paths.

Those attending should prepare before the event. Bringing several copies of an up-to-date CV is a good start. Candidates should also think about the kind of work they want, the hours they can do, how far they can travel and whether they need training or flexibility.

A short introduction can help. Jobseekers should be ready to explain who they are, what experience they have and what kind of role they are looking for. Even those without much formal work experience can talk about volunteering, education, caring responsibilities, hobbies, teamwork or reliability.

It is also worth following up afterwards. If an employer gives advice or asks for an application, candidates should act quickly while the conversation is fresh. A polite email or completed application can help turn a short meeting into a real opportunity.

For Brighton employers, the fair is a chance to widen recruitment and reach people who may not apply through usual channels. For jobseekers, it is a chance to ask questions, build confidence and discover roles they may not have considered.

The Brighton & Hove Jobs Fair will not guarantee work for every attendee, but it can make job hunting more human. In a competitive labour market, that face-to-face conversation may be the first step toward a better role, a new sector or more secure income.