HELP is at hand for hundreds of workers losing their jobs with the closure of the British Gas call centre in Oldbury.

Black Country councils, Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service have joined forces to assist 684 staff being made redundant to find new careers.

They are holding a series of events, support sessions and jobs fairs at the company’s stricken base in Wolverhampton Road.

British Gas made the shock announcement about the job cuts in April and the call centre will close in the coming months.

Sandwell Council leader Councillor Steve Eling said: “We have worked closely with British Gas who have welcomed all of our staff onto the site to hold workshops, advice sessions and one-to-one support for workers faced with redundancy.

“We are helping people secure future employment and training which is a fantastic for those who were otherwise facing a worrying future.”

The majority of staff affected by the British Gas redundancies are from Sandwell and Dudley, with the remainder from surrounding areas.

Council staff from all four local authorities have been running a five days a week “opportunities centre” to help staff search for jobs and prepare for interviews.