Jobseekers in the North East and the North West can meet employers face to face today, Friday 13 November 2026, as free jobs fairs take place in Sunderland and Manchester. Both events run from 10am to 1pm, and entry is free for visitors who register for a ticket in advance.

The fairs are run by The Job Fairs, which organises job fairs across the UK. Its events bring together recruiters and hiring managers from a broad range of industries, giving visitors the chance to ask about live vacancies, learn about different employers and find out about roles they may not have seen advertised online.

Visitors can also get advice on their CV and interview skills at the events. The organiser says meeting an employer in person can make a stronger impression than a paper application, and that some companies attend fairs to fill posts quickly, including roles that are not advertised elsewhere.

Sunderland Jobs Fair: Stadium of Light

The Sunderland Jobs Fair takes place at the Stadium of Light, home of Sunderland AFC, in Sunderland, SR5 1HX. Doors open at 10am and the fair runs until 1pm.

Entry is free, but visitors need to register for a free ticket through Eventbrite and bring it on the day, on a phone or printed out, so it can be scanned at the entrance. Tickets are for the event date only and cannot be transferred.

There is limited parking on site at the stadium. The organiser recommends arriving before 11:30am so visitors have enough time to speak to all the recruiters present. Bringing up-to-date copies of a CV is advisable, although the organiser says it is not essential, as companies will explain their own application process at the event. The dress code is casual but presentable.

Manchester Jobs Fair: Bridgewater Hall

The Manchester Jobs Fair takes place at the same time, 10am to 1pm, at the Bridgewater Hall on Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS.

The same entry rules apply: free entry with a ticket registered through Eventbrite, presented for scanning on arrival. There is no parking on site at the Bridgewater Hall, although the organiser notes there are numerous parking options nearby. Visitors are again advised to arrive before 11:30am and to bring copies of their CV.

What jobseekers should know before going

Employers at the events will require visitors to have the right to work in the UK before they can offer a job. The organiser also states clearly that there are no sponsorship, Certificate of Sponsorship or visa-switch opportunities at its events, and no NHS sponsorship opportunities, so visitors should not attend expecting that route.

Anyone planning to go should register for a free ticket for the Sunderland or Manchester fair through Eventbrite and bring it with them. Both fairs close at 1pm today.