Center Parcs Receives 11,000 Job Applications for 1,500 Jobs

A Center Parcs resort in the UK received more than 11,000 job applications at its new resort - nearly eight times the amount of vacancies available.

The recruitment drive for Center Parcs Woburn Forest started in July 2013 for 1,500 positions, including roles with on-site restaurants and retailers.

The company, which has four resorts in Britain, explained that more than half of the positions had been filled.

More than four in 10 (41%) new recruits are between the ages of 16-24, and the vast majority (92%) of applicants have come from the local area (within 15 miles of the new site).

"It's fantastic to have received so many job applications for the new site already, and especially exciting that we've been able to offer opportunities to so many young people at a time where many of them are finding it tough to start their careers," said Judi Leavor, a HR director at Center Parcs.

"This recruitment drive should have a tremendous impact on the local community in terms of economic growth, both in the short and long term."

Some specialist roles had attracted interest from as far away as the Isle of Man and Inverness, the holiday company added.

The most popular roles already filled are in guest services, retail and security, as well as lifeguard roles for the Subtropical Swimming Paradise.

The Office for National Statistics revealed that unemployment among 16-24-year-olds was 20% for September to November 2013.