Co-op has announced plans to create 5,000 temporary jobs amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The company said the aim is to provide temporary work for hospitality workers who have lost their jobs.
The boost in colleague numbers will also help stores to replenish stock more efficiently, fulfil online orders and provide ongoing assistance to more vulnerable customers.
Recruitment procedures have been simplified so that candidates can apply for positions by walking into their nearest Co-op with a view to starting work in a matter of days.
Permanent and temporary roles are available across the UK at its 2,500 stores.
Jo Whitfield, CEO, Co-op Food, 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."
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The company is talking to a large number of organisations whose workforces have been affected by this situation.
Anyone who who is looking for a job in one of our stores, the message is to get in touch now.
"We’ve made the application process quicker than ever and hope to have new colleagues on the ground within a day or two," added Ms Whitfield.
"What we need now is genuine, tangible cooperation as we look to support the wider economy and help the nation overcome this challenging period.”
Co-op colleagues in business support roles who are not currently working in stores or distribution centres are also being encouraged to ‘lend-a-hand’ in their local Co-op to help replenish shelves.
NHS coronavirus advice - the facts
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.
Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms
Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
- a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- a new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.
Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home.
Read our advice about staying at home.
Urgent advice - Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Use the 111 coronavirus service
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
How coronavirus is spread
Because it's a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.
Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus
Do
wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
always wash your hands when you get home or into work
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don't
do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Earlier this week the Co-op also announced measures to combat holiday hunger in pupils caused by unplanned school closures. Around 6,500 students across 25 Co-op Academy Schools who currently have free school meals, will be given a £20 voucher for every week that schools remain shut.
