Co-op Group creates 5,000 jobs to support hospitality workers in Covid-19 crisis

The Co-op Group has announced plans to create 5000 temporary jobs in its supermarket stores to support hospitality workers who are being laid off during the coronavirus outbreak.

The UK’s sixth largest supermarket chain has 2,600 stores nationwide and will deploy the additional staff its stores to ensure shelves are replenished and to support vulnerable customers.  The Co-op will also simplify its recruitment process so candidates and start new jobs within days.

Existing business support staff in the Co-op’s stores and distribution centres are also being encouraged to support in local branches replenishing stock.  Morrisons has also launched a recruitment drive due to the surge in demand seen in recent days in UK supermarkets.

The Co-op Food CEO, 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.

“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.”