Manchester-headquartered retailer The Co-operative has announced plans to create 5,000 store-based roles to provide employment for hospitality workers who have lost their jobs. The Co-op said it hopes its plans to employ both permanent and temporary roles across the country will “increase support for local communities”, amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
It also said the boost in colleague numbers will help its stores replenish stock, fulfil online orders and provide ongoing assistance to more vulnerable customers.
The retailer, which has 2,600 stores, said it has simplified its recruitment procedures so people can apply for a position by going to their local branch, with the view to start work “in a matter of days”.
Jo Whitfield, Co-op Food chief executive, said it makes “perfect sense” to “temporarily absorb” the workforce previously employed in restaurants, bars and pubs that have made cuts to staff.
She 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.”
Ms Whitfield said Co-op was “talking to a large number of organisations whose workforces have been affected by this situation”.
“What we need now is genuine, tangible cooperation as we look to support the wider economy and help the nation overcome this challenging period,” she added.
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The retailer also said colleagues in business support roles are also being encouraged to help their local Co-op replenish shelves.
It comes after the retailer this week announced measures to help combat holiday hunger in pupils caused by school closures, which will see 6,500 students across 25 Co-op Academy Schools who have free school meals given a £20 voucher for every week that schools remain shut.