WHILE some businesses are closing or temporarily shutting down, others are seeking more employees, including supermarkets, health services and businesses involved in the horticulture sector.
Inundated supermarkets have been seeking staff to restock and clean overnight, with Coles recruiting 30 new employees in Gippsland to meet customer demand.
The local recruits have been fast-tracked into Coles’ supermarkets across the region and have come from a wide range of industries and businesses, including many that have been forced to close or to stand down staff such as in travel, sport, fitness and hospitality.
There are an additional 78 positions open across Gippsland, providing much-needed employment opportunities at a time when many people are urgently seeking work.
The roles include serving customers and replenishing shelves, delivering orders to online customers, and more than 100-trade qualified bakers for in-store bakeries.
Nationally, Coles has recruited more than 7000 people in just two weeks to meet customer demand, and has now extended the recruitment drive by opening an additional 5000 positions across the country.
By state, Coles has offered 1700 jobs in Victoria, 2000 in New South Wales, around 1800 in Queensland, 600 in South Australia, 700 in Western Australian, 100 in Tasmania, about 90 in ACT and 100 in the Northern Territory.
With a huge increase in the population eating at home, the demand for fresh food and protein has soared.
Significant changes in the labour market, with many working visa holders returning home, has resulted in a huge increase in demand for labour in the past few weeks for the food processing industry.
Australian-owned specialist recruitment and workforce management company, Food Industry People Group, has issued a plea for local workers.
Spokesperson Darren Basford said supply of fresh food was critical to Australia. “This is an opportunity for people who have lost their jobs to earn a good income and support local economies,” he said.
“We specialise in recruitment into a large pool of workers for our clients and place at least 100 people in work in any normal week.
“So, between now and June we have over 1500 jobs to fill.”
Food processing is an essential industry covering picking, harvesting and manufacturing.
Interested people should email jobs@fipgroup.com.au or phone 1800 380 833.
The state government’s $50 million Agriculture Workforce Plan is matching workers who have lost their jobs because of COVID-19 with employers in the agriculture sector, helping agribusinesses and primary producers to meet their labour and operational needs.
Agriculture Victoria and Regional Development Victoria are matching displaced workers to vital industries such as horticulture, dairy, meat and food production and manufacturing, as well as transport and logistics services.
The initiative also helps pay for training to ensure redeployed workers have swift access to any necessary training.
It will aim to match workers to roles within their regions and towns, while looking across Victoria to fill unmet demand in food supply chains.
Employers and workers in the agriculture and food production sectors will also benefit from payroll tax refunds and deferrals contained in the government’s $1.7 billion Economic Survival Package.
Individuals, farmers and businesses who wish to register for the Agriculture Workforce Plan can do so at vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria.
Latrobe Community Health Service is hiring Gippslanders who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus crisis.
The registered aged care provider has began a significant recruitment drive across Gippsland, looking to immediately grow its team that continues to support the region’s older residents.
A number of casual home support worker roles are ready for an immediate start across Latrobe Valley, Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Wellington and East Gippsland shires.
The roles involve providing direct in-home support to people aged 65 and older, helping with housework, grocery shopping and personal care.
Those out of work because of the virus who have experience in aged care support work have been encouraged to apply immediately.
Applicants must have previous experience, a current driver’s licence and comprehensively insured vehicle, and a current first aid certificate.
To apply, visit latrobe.hiringplatformau.com/list/careers.
Successful applicants will undergo a police check and pre-employment medical before they begin.
