The Co-op is to create 5,000 temporary store-based roles in a bid to tackle demand caused by the coronavirus.
The company, which operates more than 2,500 stores in the UK, said as part of the recruitment drive it wanted to help hospitality workers who had lost their jobs during the crisis. It said it would simplify its recruitment process so candidates could start work within days. Permanent jobs will also be on offer.
Co-op Food chief executive Jo Whitfield said, “While our store and depot colleagues are working around the clock to ensure people have the essentials they need, we’re all too aware many people working in bars, pubs and restaurants are out of work.
“To anyone in this position who is looking for a job in one of our stores our message is simple – get in touch now. We’ve made the application process quicker 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.”
