The coronavirus pandemic has put millions of jobs at risk in sectors exposed to the UK’s shutdown of social activities. More than 200,000 people working in the leisure and hospitality sectors have been laid off since mid-February and major airlines have forced staff to take at least two months unpaid leave.

But, as retailers around the nation close their doors in an effort to slow the spread of the disease, ‘essential’ businesses like supermarkets are seeking support to accommodate overwhelming demand.

From sales associates and cashiers to delivery drivers, here’s a round up of the places still hiring amid the coronavirus crisis.

Co-op

The Co-op supermarket is to create 5,000 jobs in a bid to provide temporary employment for hospitality workers who have lost their jobs amid the coronavirus crisis, the company announced.

The retail giant said it is simplifying its recruitment process so successful candidates can start work within days. Permanent jobs will also be on offer at the Co-op’s 2,600 stores across the country.

Those interested in applying for temporary roles should speak to a manager at their local store and those interested in permanent jobs should visit jobs.coop.co.uk.

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Lidl

Supermarket Lidl has announced plans to recruit 2,500 workers on four-week contracts to help keep up with high demand in stores as customers continue clearing shelves over the coronavirus outbreak.

The grocer said recruits can start immediately and will be paid at least £9.30 an hour, adding ‘the new hires will be responsible for working together to keep the store clean, tidy and the shelves well stocked so that customers can get the products they need’.

Lidl will be prioritising applications for roles in stores and warehouses. Anyone interested in applying should visit careers.lidl.co.uk

Morrisons

Supermarket chain Morrisons has announced it is to create 3,500 new jobs to expand its home delivery service amid the coronavirus pandemic.The retailer said it would be recruiting about 2,500 store pickers and drivers, plus 1,000 staff in its distribution centres.

The company intends to make more delivery slots available with the recruitment drive, and is also setting up a call centre for those without access to online shopping.

Morrisons said the move would help ‘at a time of national need’. To apply, visit morrisons.jobs

Aldi

Aldi has launched possibly the biggest recruitment drive among all of the UK’s supermarkets as part of the sector’s efforts to meet the surge in demand during the coronavirus pandemic.

The budget German retailer said it is on the hunt for 9,000 new members of staff, with roles available in every one of its stores and distribution centres across the UK. As well as offering 5,000 temporary jobs, it is also advertising 4,000 permanent vacancies in a recruitment drive ‘like never before’.

All new workers will earn a minimum of £9.30 nationally or £10.90 if they are working at a store or distribution centre in London. To apply, visit Aldirecrutiment.co.uk

Asda

Asda has announced plans to hire more than 5,000 temporary employees laid off due to Covid-19. The budget retailer is working with 20 national companies to directly bring over staff at risk of losing their jobs as a result the coronavirus shutdown.

Chief executive Roger Burnley said: ‘Never in my 30 years in retail have I ever felt so keenly the role played by supermarkets in our communities.

‘During these difficult times everyone has to work together to help people most affected by Covid-19, and Asda is pleased to play its part.’

To apply, visit Asda.jobs

Iceland

Iceland was among the first grocers to open its doors exclusively to the elderly so they can make purchases during the coronavirus pandemic. Several supermarkets have followed suit in a bid to protect the most vulnerable from stockpiling shortages.

Now, it is gone one step further in helping those who have fallen on hard times, by announcing a hunt for retail assistants and home delivery drivers.The supermarket typically pays £9.10 per hour for sales assistants depending on where your store is based.

To apply, visit Icelandcareers.co.uk

Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and others

Tesco, the UK’s biggest supermarket chain, is hiring temps for 12-week stints. The grocer giant is looking for customer assistants to ‘start immediately’, with one store manager boasting on Twitter that recruits could be ‘fired up and ready to go’ within four hours. To apply, visit Tescocareers.com

Sainsbury’s is also asking for help in feeding the nation here, while Ocado is looking for delivery drivers and operations managers, with roles in various locations across the UK. Drivers typically earn around around £8.43. To apply, visit Ocado.com/careers

Deliveroo, Uber Eats & Just Eat

Take out companies are expected to play a huge role in feeding the nation during the pandemic. As well as keeping restaurants that have been forced to close afloat, they provide a vital service for people self-isolating who are unable to go the shops for essential supplies.

Deliveroo, one of the UK’s biggest food delivery companies, has launched a new feature that allows customers to opt for contact free checkout to adapt to the crisis. As demand surges, it is advertising for drivers and riders across the UK.

As riders are classed as self-employed, you can work on your own availability, as little or as much as you want. According to the company, staff typically earn around £10 an hour.

Amid concerns for workers in the gig-economy during the health crisis, Deliveroo has committed to providing a multi-million pound ‘hardship fund’ for riders and drivers who gets struck down with coronavirus or have to self-isolate. This is on par with UK statuary sick pay.

You can apply to become a Deliveroo driver here. Uber Eats are also searching for delivery drivers here, while takeaway company Just Eats is advertising roles here.

Eddie Stobart

Supply chain, transport and logistics company Eddie Stobart is also looking for drivers.

The jobs are available in over two dozen locations around the country, with the hourly pay ranging between £11.60 – £12.93 depending on the shift pattern.

To apply, visit eddiestobart.com/careersandtraining

Farming

Farming industry leaders have put out an urgent plea for British workers to help feed the nation as the coronavirus pandemic worsens. Britons are being encouraged to apply for paid positions on local farms across the UK as many reportedly experience a shortage of seasonable labour to help pick and pack fruit and vegetables.

The shortage has been put down to travel restrictions and tighter border controls with many of the annual 70,000 seasonal employees on British farms reportedly coming from abroad.

Labour provider Hops Labour Solutions, along with The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs and Fruitful and Concordia, is currently advertising online here. Hops operations director Sarah Boparan said: ‘We urgently need a UK labour force which can help harvest crops to feed the nation.

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