Weeks after Greektown Casino laid off 89 workers in Chapter 11 cost-cutting efforts, casino officials say they will begin Thursday to screen candidates for 400 new positions for its permanent casino and hotel.

The casino says it is focusing its efforts on hiring Detroit residents for jobs that start as early as August, said spokesman Roger Martin. The permanent hotel will open in early 2009.

The casino is partnering with the Detroit Workforce Development Department, which will begin prescreening job candidates at its four service centers Thursday.

FreePress.com