The companies that need workers

Tens of thousands of people have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus crisis as restaurants, bars, hotels and gyms have been forced to close.

But many companies still in business are urgently seeking more staff to meet orders, help with deliveries and just to keep things moving.

The major supermarkets are searching for 35,000 additional workers, but many other firms supplying essential goods or services are also looking for extra help so they can cope with the increased demand.

Home care company Cera has just created 10,000 new jobs for people to work as part of the home carer community.

Meanwhile, chemist chain Lloyds Pharmacy is seeking 1,500 workers across the country in the next few days. And Virgin Media says it needs 500 new people at Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester and Teesside.

Government should help

The government should help by reallocating some workers in sectors that have temporarily shut down to parts of the economy facing labour shortages, reckons think tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

It pointed out the coronavirus pandemic has led to sharp falls in labour demand in many corners of the economy, while there are acute labour shortages in other sectors.

To help, the government should remove barriers to taking up temporary jobs, facilitate worker loans between firms and sectors, and subsidise retraining where appropriate, it said.

"There is an urgent need to reallocate some workers," said Xiaowei Xu, a senior research economist at IFS.

"At a minimum, the government should remove barriers to fill much-needed roles."

Where are the jobs?

The supermarkets need 35,000 workers

Tesco said last week it is bringing in up to 20,000 new colleagues to work in its stores for at least the next twelve weeks. You can apply here.

Asda said it wanted to recruit more than 5,000 temporary staff from the pool of workers whose jobs have been impacted by the virus. Here is the application site.

Aldi announced it was looking to fill 5,000 new temporary posts and take on 4,000 permanent new workers for jobs in all its stores and distribution centres. Details can be found here.

Morrisons said it would be recruiting about 2,500 pickers and drivers, plus 1,000 staff in its distribution centres. It's accepting applications here.

Lidl said it would create about 2,500 temporary jobs across its 800 stores in the UK. The jobs site is here.

10,000 jobs at Cera

The home care company is looking for 10,000 people to provide immediate relief and support to the NHS and elderly in isolation.

It said it will provide training and certification for people to begin working as professional carers, noting that workers can start earning income in just 10 days.

The majority of positions will be in the following regions: London, King's Lynn, Norwich, Stowmarket, Peterborough, Derbyshire, Old Stratford, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Wiltshire, Essex, Kent, and Abercynon.

"These are long-term positions within our company, and we hope this will encourage those recently left without work, or even those currently employed, to consider getting trained and becoming part of this crucial community," said Horus Patel, chief technical officer of Cera.

Information about roles at Cera can be found here.

3,000 jobs at Home Instead

Care provider Home Instead Senior Care wants 3,000 kind, compassionate people to join its army of care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

No experience or qualifications are needed as full training is given to all new recruits.

"For those people who have recently lost a role in hospitality, or retail that might have transferable skills we want to let you know that we are here for you and can offer you the opportunity of employment," said chief executive Martin Jones.

Applicants should visit the website.

1,500 jobs at Lloyds Pharmacy

The chemist chain needs 1,500 temporary and permanent roles filling over the coming days. Vacancies include dispensers, pharmacists, delivery drivers and warehouse staff across its 1,400 branches.

"We know this is a difficult time, with many people struggling with job losses or redundancies, so we hope that this opportunity will provide some hope for those who need it most, as well as helping us to continue providing a first-class healthcare service," said Toby Anderson, chief executive of Lloyds Pharmacy.

"It's also an opportunity to contribute to your local community and those that need the help most of all."

For information on the roles and to apply, click here.

Thousands of jobs at HC-One

Care provider HC-One says it has thousands of new, permanent roles at its more than 300 care homes across country. Full training and induction will be provided.

"Calling all people who are kind, caring and want to make a difference by joining our team of Key Workers. We need people to join our teams to support society's most vulnerable during these unprecedented times," said director of people Lucy Connolly.

To apply, click here.

500 jobs at Virgin Media

The phone and internet company is creating 500 new UK contact centre jobs to help keep customers connected during the coronavirus pandemic.

New jobs are being created at locations across the country on both a permanent and fixed-term basis. Roles will be based in Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester and Teesside.

"We're working day and night to keep the country connected and make sure services are running smoothly," said Abby Thomas, an executive director at Virgin Media.

"In these difficult times, we're really proud to soon be welcoming hundreds of new staff to our contact centres who will help us continue to serve our customers."

People can apply here.

Hundreds of jobs at Moy Park

The poultry giant is searching for hundreds of temporary staff to work at its processing sites across the UK.

The company is looking for people to join its teams across a range of roles in its agriculture and production operations.

"There has been a noticeable increase in grocery sales as people practise social distancing and self-isolate," said Kirsty Wilkins, Moy Park's HR and performance director.

"This has resulted in a heightened demand for chicken produce and with it, opportunities in the sector to meet this demand."

Find out more here.

Hundreds of jobs at Community Integrated Care

The social care charity has hundreds of new vacancies across the country.

It says: "We are currently recruiting for hundreds of support worker roles across England and Scotland to help support vulnerable people with their daily routines."

Candidates can register their interest here.

Many more positions in care homes have become available

Orchard Care Homes, which runs homes supporting elderly and vulnerable people across the North of England and the Midlands, has 500 positions available for carers, nurses, chefs, cleaners and laundry assistants.

To apply, visit their website.

Meanwhile, Bluebird Care says it has hundreds of jobs across the country. Details of vacancies here.

Care UK has several hundred opportunities at its 125 homes from Aberdeen to Dorset, including several in London. - more on that here.

In Wales? Orbis Education and Care needs 150 carers and support workers in Cardiff, Newport, Barry, Port Talbot, Swansea, Presteigne, Brecon, Tewkesbury, Porth. Apply here.

Meanwhile Carefound Home Care has launched a recruitment drive in Yorkshire and Cheshire or hourly visiting carers and live-in carers. Find out more here.

Hundreds of dairy jobs on offer

Dairy brand Müller has launched a nationwide recruitment drive for up to 300 key workers, ranging from delivery drivers and dairy technicians to factory operators, packaging operatives and garage mechanics. You can apply here.

Milk and grocery delivery business Milk And More is looking for 100 additional milkmen or women who have a full UK driving licence and are happy to work nights.

Visit their careers website for more information.

In the West country? Dairy company Yeo Valley needs more than 50 operators, loaders, packers and palletisers in Somerset. Find out more here.

Looking for workers?

If your company needs workers right now, send us the details of what you need and how to apply, and we'll add it to the list.