Mr. Afzal, centre, with guests at a dinner to mark the opening of the agency.
A new employment agency offering jobs in many overseas countries has just opened in Burnley, and its proprietor claims it is the only one of its kind outside London. Mr. Malik Afzal is operating from premises on Yorkshire Street, and is making contacts in many countries in the Near, Middle and Far East, to provide jobs for skilled and unskilled personnel. He is also trying to place people locally. “With the employment situation so bad round here, I believe we are offering a very important and much needed service”, said Mr. Afzal. He is married with three daughters, the youngest born only a few days ago, and moved to Burnley from London in 1976. He has obtained the necessary employment agency licence for his AB Recruitment Agency and is taking a special course. He came to Britain 20 years ago from Pakistan and has worked for many well known firms, including Smith’s Industries. In Burnley he has worked for BEP and Lucas and for a travel agency. “Almost a third of our work will involve overseas jobs and we have associated or affiliated offices in several places in the East. Obviously, we are being careful, and we get the British Embassy in the place concerned to give us a reference for companies.” The construction industry is the area in which Mr. Afzal feels he will be able to place most people. His agency is offering its services to all sections of the community.