// The Co-op has already filled the 5000 temporary jobs it advertised last week
// The recruitment drive was advertised as part of the grocer’s response to the coronavirus pandemic
// The Co-op said it had taken on many who found themselves unexpectedly out of work due to the crisis
The Co-op has filled all 5000 temporary store jobs it created last week in a record seven days following an “unprecedented” response to the retailer’s recruitment drive.
The grocery retailer said it had taken on many people who found themselves unexpectedly out of work due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
By this weekend, all 5000 new recruits will be working across the retailer’s network of stores, giving a boost to the Co-op’s efforts to keep shelves replenished.
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“Just one week ago we asked members of the British public who needed jobs to come forward and join forces with us,” Co-op Food chief executive Jo Whitfield said.
“The response has been overwhelming as people pull together to feed the nation. All of our colleagues are heroes and are doing an amazing job under huge pressure.”
In a statement, 27-year-old Rachel Marriott, from Manchester, said: “I was studying for my masters in social work but my placement was cancelled overnight, leaving me with no income so I was desperate to find some work.
“I saw that the Co-op was advertising for new roles in their food stores and phoned up on Friday, had an interview an hour later and was offered the position at one of their Salford stores on the spot.
“I’m so happy to be a part of a wider movement that is helping to keep the country going.”
This week, the Co-op announced a raft of measures to enforce social distancing in stores following the announcement of new government legislation including the introduction of floor markers, creating more space between customers at till points and controlling the number of customers in stores.
Staff in business support roles who are not currently working in stores or distribution centres are also being encouraged to lend a hand in their local Co-op amid the surge in demand for groceries.
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