Co-op hires 5,000 more staff to meet coronavirus demand
CO-OP is to create a mixture of 5,000 new temporary and permanent store-based posts in a bid to help demand caused by coronavirus.
It says the boost in staff will help stores to replenish stock more efficiently, fulfil online orders and provide ongoing assistance to more vulnerable customers.
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The retailer adds that it particularly wants to help provide temporary employment for hospitality workers who have lost their jobs.
It says it is simplifying its recruitment process so successful candidates can start work within days.
If you're interested in a temporary role you should speak to a store manager at your local Co-op.
Permanent roles can be applied for at .
The Sun has asked Co-op how many roles will be temporary and how many will be permanent and we'll update this story as soon as we get a response.
But Co-op says the majority will be temporary.
The Co-op has 2,600 stores across the country. Use its to find your nearest.
Earlier this week, Morrisons also created 3,500 jobs to help expand home deliveries to get groceries to vulnerable people.
Jo Whitfield, chief executive of 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.
"While 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.
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"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.
"We're talking to a large number of organisations whose workforces have been affected by this situation.
"To anyone in this position who is looking for a job in one of our stores, our message is simple - please 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.
"What we need now is genuine, tangible co-operation as we look to support the wider economy and help the nation overcome this challenging period."
Co-op's announcement comes as other supermarkets have announced they're closing stores early to meet demand.
More on coronavirus
As of March 17, Tesco closed all 24 hour stores overnight from 10pm to help restock due to coronavirus.
While as of March 18, Asda closed 24-hour stores between 12am and 6am.
And Aldi is shutting stores from 8pm this Friday.