With the launch of the new Jurys Inn Sheffield on 16 January 2009, five people have been employed by the hotel after completing the company�s renowned Pre-Employment Programme, a scheme that aims to help the long term unemployed back into the job market.

In conjunction with Sheffield�s Job Centre Plus, the new employees began a two-week pre-employment course in November. They covered a diverse range of customer focus training topics including Basic IT, Interview Skills, CV and Presentation Skills.

They also received some basic training in food hygiene and emergency first aid as instructed by Jurys Inns experts.

Upon completion of the course all the candidates were offered an interview for employment at the hotel with the final five successful employees starting their work as receptionists, night porters, waiters and bar tenders.

Carmel Murphy, General Manager of Jurys Inn Sheffield, said: �Through the Jurys Inn Pre-Employment Programme we have been able to offer a much wider training opportunity than ever before, which has led employing five eager new members for our new hotel.

�The group who completed the course have progressed so much over their time being involved in the scheme. Each individual has grown in confidence and has developed their core skills base. We couldn�t have asked for more.�

Jurys Inns has been running the programme across the UK for more than 10 years, with support from the European Social Fund. MF.

In addition to the Pre-Employment Scheme, Jurys Inn Sheffield has created a total of 65 new jobs and has invested �18.7 million in the city.

- ENDS -

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Jurys Inns have 23 great hotels based in 18 cities across the UK and Ireland. Sheffield will become the groups 24th hotel on opening day. All the amenities are designed to ensure visitors experience a warm, friendly and relaxed stay. Jurys Inns are 3-star superior budget hotels situated in the very best city centre locations and offer superb value for money. Following Sheffield a further four new properties are scheduled to open for business in Watford, Exeter, Derby and Cardiff during 2009 to 2010.

Jurys Inns are currently located in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Belfast, Birmingham, Croydon, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heathrow Airport, London (Islington and Chelsea), Leeds, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Nottingham, Southampton, Plymouth and Brighton.

For the lowest rates guaranteed, book online at www.jurysinns.com.

For further information or to book a review, please contact Cait Tabbinor, Nick Mouton or Gawen Higgins at Mason Williams PR: Tel: 0845 0941 007 Fax: 0845 0941 008 E: cait@mason-williams.com / nick@mason-williams.com / gawen@mason-williams.com