The Co-op has become the latest food retailer to put out a call for extra staff to cope with the surge in demand caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
The society is creating 5,000 store-based roles, which it hopes will provide temporary employment for hospitality workers who have lost their jobs amid the crisis. The retailer has simplified the recruitment process so suitable candidates can start work in one of its 2,600 stores in a matter of days.
New recruits will help stores to replenish stock, fulfil online orders and provide assistance to more vulnerable customers.
The food division’s Chief Executive Jo Whitfield said: “The Co-op has a critical role to play in supporting our members, customers and colleagues, as well as the local communities that our stores sit at the heart of.
“Whilst our store and depot colleagues are working around the clock to ensure people have the essentials they need, we are all too aware that many people working in bars, pubs and restaurants are currently out of work. It makes perfect sense for us to try and temporarily absorb part of this highly skilled and talented workforce who are so adept at delivering great customer service, as we work together to feed the nation.”
Earlier this week, Morrisons said it was looking for 3,500 extra staff to support the expansion of its home delivery operation during the crisis.
Tesco is also hiring temps for 12-week stints, whilst Asda said it was working with several national companies that had been forced to stand down staff as the hospitality and travel industries grind to a halt. Their employees are being offered shifts or temporary secondments at the retailer.
Food manufacturers are also trying to bolster their workforces as they step up production to meet the extra demand. Addo Food Group, the owner of brands such as Pork Farms, Walls and Bowyers, is recruiting for temporary jobs across its six sites, saying it was keen to help people who have been affected by recent redundancy within the hospitality and leisure-based industry.
Deborah Bolton, CEO of Addo Food Group, said: “Coronavirus has impacted so many businesses within the hospitality industry already and as workers are being laid off all over the country from restaurants, pubs and bars, we’re pleased to be able to offer temporary positions within our six sites, which may help ease the financial pressure that a lot of people now find themselves in. It’s a really difficult time for people and it’s important that we help where we can.”
