Morrisons takes on 500 charity shop workers – and asks for more

The supermarket giant is set to take on 500 colleagues from Marie Curie and CLIC Sargent charity shops, whose doors may need to close due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Their roles are expected to focus on helping the elderly and vulnerable with their shopping trips and at checkouts, as well as taking items to food banks and other charities, who are in need of supplies.

The company added the roles would also involve ‘replenishing items that are needed by the community’. 

A statement said: “Morrisons said it would welcome other charity shops workers who might be looking for temporary employment.

“These highly valued colleagues would continue to work the same hours and receive the same pay and conditions. They will return to Marie Curie and CLIC Sargent when their doors reopen.”

David Potts, chief executive of Morrisons, said: “We know that this is a very challenging time for charitieks and we want to do our bit to help. These highly valued colleagues will play a key role in helping Morrisons support the most vulnerable in the communities we serve.

Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of Marie Curie, said: “Marie Curie is doing everything it possibly can to ensure that every day and night Marie Curie nurses and doctors continue to care for people at the end of the lives. As we face into this national emergency, communities, business and charities need to work together more than ever.

“To see such swift and compassionate action from Morrisons to not only support our staff, but pool our resources to support the wider community, is truly overwhelming as we work together as part of the COVID19 national response.”