THE Co-op plans to create 5,000 temporary roles in a bid to support hospitality workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Co-op aims to introduce the in-store roles as quickly as possible and has introduced simplified recruitment procedures. Candidates can apply for positions by walking into their nearest Co-op with a view to starting work in a mater of days.
Co-op staff in business support roles who are not currently working in stores or distribution centres are also being encouraged by the retailer to “lend-a-hand” in their local Co-op to help replenish shelves.
Jo Whitfield, chief executive at the Co-op 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.
“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 cooperation as we look to support the wider economy and help the nation overcome this challenging period.”
Article sourced from Scottish Grocer.
