BHP to hire 1500 new workers across Australia, saying “we are stepping up’’
BHP has announced a large new jobs push in its second major announcement this week to combat the fallout of the coronavirus.
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BHP will hire 1500 extra people on six month contracts following its move earlier in the week to pay $100 million in outstanding invoices.
The global mining company has also reduced its payments terms to seven days, down from 30, which will benefit more than 1100 small businesses, it said.
The 1500 new jobs would cover a range of skills and be across work sites in Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
“The roles will include machinery and production operators, truck and ancillary equipment drivers, excavator operators, diesel mechanics boilermakers, trades assistants, electricians, cleaners and warehousing roles across our coal, iron ore and copper operations,’’ the company said.
“The jobs will be offered through existing labour hire partners and BHP contracts in each state.’’
Following the initial six-month contract, BHP said it would look to offer permanent roles for some of the new jobs.
“BHP will continue to assess this program and may increase the number of jobs available,’’ the company said.
BHP acting minerals Australia president Edgar Basto said supporting the company’s people, communities and partners, safely, was the highest priority.
“As part of BHP’s social distancing measures we are introducing more small teams with critical skills to work dynamically across different shifts,” he said.
“The Government has said the resources industry is vital in Australia’s response to the global pandemic. We are stepping up and providing jobs and contracts.
“We must look out for each other as we manage through this together.’’