London Gatwick has announced vacancies for more than 1,200 retail, restaurant, check-in desk assistance and luggage handling roles, further demonstrating the airport’s commitment to boosting employment in the local community.

The announcement reflects Gatwick’s continued growth as it gets ready to face its busiest summer on record.

More than 800 jobs are being offered from across the airport’s retail and restaurant portfolio including: WHSmith, JD Wetherspoon, Boots, Fat Face, Starbucks and Monsoon.

Meanwhile recruitment is underway for more than 400 jobs for ground handling agents, the companies which provide check-in desk assistance for passengers as well as loading/unloading luggage and cargo onto aircraft at Gatwick, and these include: DHL, Menzies, Airline Services, dnata and Swissport.

Gatwick makes a substantial and vital contribution to the UK economy, with activity in and around the airport generating £5.3 billion in GDP and supporting over 85,000 jobs at a national level.

Gatwick is also a major economic driver for the South East region, generating around 24,000 on-airport jobs and a further 12,000 jobs through related activities.

Gatwick Airport head of retail, Rachel Bulford, said: “It’s great to see, once again, so many job opportunities opening up throughout our retail and restaurant offering at the airport.

“These roles will help to ensure we provide excellent service in all our outlets as passenger numbers increase over the busy summer period.

“A large proportion of our staff are based in the surrounding counties, making Gatwick one of the largest economic drivers for the south-east region.”

For information on the latest vacancies and where to apply, visit the official website.