Jobs cheer as Clacton holiday parks add holiday fortnight

Two major Clacton holiday parks say that the new go-ahead for them to remain open for an extra fortnight each year will be cheered not just by holidaymakers.

Park Holidays UK, owners of Seawick Holiday Park and St Osyth Holiday Park, say the extension will also create more jobs, many with training opportunities.

Previously, both parks went into winter hibernation for the whole of February – but from now on, the “welcome” sign will be hung out for holiday home owners from the middle of the month.

The green light for the extended year was given by Tendring District Council, and the two parks benefitting provide over 1100 holiday homes in total.

At Seawick Holiday Park, the finishing touches are now being put to a near £3 million investment in a prestigious new entertainment and swimming pool complex.

Park Holidays UK director Tony Clish says work is now almost complete, and that the development and extended year mean the company is now on the recruitment trail.

There are around 100 jobs to fill on both parks, and although most are initially seasonal, there will be opportunities for some team members to take on full-time roles.

Jobs exist across a range of areas including bars and catering, maintenance, admin, and in the parks’ leisure facilities – and almost all come with the chance to receive training.

Tony Clish says that Seawick and St Osyth are among the most popular of the firm’s 26 holiday parks in Southern England, both for renting and owning holiday homes.

The recent big investments made in them, he said, underline his company’s determination to give Clacton a national reputation as a hot-spot for quality holidays.

He believes the longer year and new developments will also bring extra cheer to the many small businesses in the Clacton area which rely on spending by holiday visitors.

“Increasing the period when holiday homes can be used is a reflection of the way people now use their leisure, and enjoy more shorter breaks throughout the year,” said Tony.

“Plenty of indoor entertainment means the weather is never a barrier to taking time out, and modern holiday homes provide all the comforts for four-season use.

“Tourism and leisure are an important component of the regional economy of this area, and there are today many fantastic chances for career progression within the industry.

“We have a development programme which encourages people to make the most of their potential, and we are always keen to offer promotion to those keen to progress.

“A large number of our staff who are now in management positions started in more junior roles similar to many of those on offer at our Seawick and St Osyth parks,” he added.

Holiday home sales and advance holiday bookings for 2017 are already very buoyant, said Tony. More information about the group’s parks is available at www.ParkHolidays.com