Asda to hire 5,000 new staff members to cope with coronavirus demand

Leeds-based Asda has today announced it is working to hire more than 5,000 people whose jobs are being impacted due to the outbreak of Covid-19.
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The supermarket is working with more than 20 national companies in industries like food services and travel to bring in colleagues in need of work.

Colleagues from these companies will be offered shifts or a temporary secondments to Asda roles – ensuring individuals remain in work and companies do not have the additional pressure of staff costs during this crisis.

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Companies in sectors, such as travel and food services, have been particularly hard hit by Covid-19.

Roger BurnleyRoger Burnley
Roger Burnley

Asda’s colleagues are also being urged to reach out on social media to invite friends and family whose work has been impacted by Coronavirus to get in touch with their local store about job opportunities. In a bid to support local food services, the supermarket is also offering local cafes and restaurants the opportunity to take on additional catering services and help feed colleagues who are working around the clock to keep shelves stocked.

Recognising the wider impact of Coronavirus on businesses, Asda has confirmed it will be paying its small suppliers immediately to help them keep their business operating and is to provide a ‘rent free’ quarter to around 250 small business tenants in its stores who are struggling to operate during these unprecedented times.

CEO and President Roger Burnley said: “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. That is why today we have committed to hiring more than 5,000 employees who have lost their jobs due to Covid-19 and have been left with deep concerns about their household budgets.”

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“Never in my 30 years in retail have I ever felt so keenly the role played by supermarkets in our communities. The way our colleagues are working to support the nation is incredible and I want to support them – and those closest to them who are experiencing the other end of this crisis and need work. Where we can provide opportunities for employment, even short term, to help people through this period, we want to play our part. And where we are able to reduce the strain on our smaller suppliers and tenants – we will do so.”

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