The Victorian Government says it is helping to keep supermarket shelves stocked by linking thousands of jobseekers with food suppliers to reduce critical workforce shortages.
Jobs Victoria is working with major supermarkets including Coles, Woolworths and Aldi as well as wholesaler Metcash, to fill staff shortages with people looking to find work. The program started earlier this month and has reportedly already had an overwhelming response, with more than 2,000 people expressing interest in the jobs.
The roles available include pick-packers to assemble online orders, night-fillers to re-stock shelves, cashiers, delivery drivers and forklift operators.
Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews said roles were available for anyone looking for work, especially those whose employment has been heavily affected by the pandemic. Employers will provide any training needed including induction and OH&S.
“We want to keep food on the supermarket shelves and Victorians in jobs – and this program does both.”
“This rapid response to workforce issues along the supply chain will help minimise disruptions to the food and essentials Victorians rely on, which is critical as we navigate Omicron,” the Premier said.
He said Jobs Victoria was streamlining the hiring process by undertaking initial screening support to get people on the job as soon as possible.
The Government is also set to begin distributing 25,000 rapid antigen tests, on a cost recovery basis, to critical utilities and food supply chain services including meat and poultry suppliers.
