BHP to hire an estimated 1000 workers in Queensland

Coronavirus might be taking its toll on the economy and employment but one big company is looking to hire 1000 workers in Queensland.

BHP will hire an estimated 1000 people in Queensland to support its mining operations across the state in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Nationally the mining giant plans to add 1500 to its workforce.

A spokesman said the vast majority of the jobs, an estimated 1000, would be in Queensland.

The new jobs will be offered as six-month contracts and cover a range of skills

needed by BHP operations in the short term.

The mining giant said it would also roll out a support program for its suppliers, which includes 600 small and Indigenous businesses in Queensland.

The new jobs it has on offer includes machinery and production operators, truck and ancillary

equipment drivers, excavator operators, diesel mechanics boilermakers, trades

assistants, electricians, cleaners and warehousing roles across BHP’s coal, iron ore and copper operations in Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales and South Australia.

“These jobs will support and bolster our existing workforce during this difficult time,” the mining giant said.

The new positions 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 jobs.

BHP said it would continue to assess the program and may increase the number of jobs available.

BHP acting minerals Australia president Edgar Basto also said as part of BHP’s social distancing measures it was introducing more small teams with critical skills to work “dynamically across different shifts”.

“The Government has said the resources industry is vital in Australia’s response to

the global pandemic,” Mr Basto said.

“We are stepping up and providing jobs and contracts. “Our suppliers, large and small, play a critical role in supporting our operations.

“It is a tough time for our communities and the economy. We must look out for each other as we manage through this together.”

BHP spends around $1.5 billion annually with local Australian suppliers.

As part of its support program, BHP will make immediate payments of its outstanding invoices.

“The accelerated payment program is expected to deliver approximately $100 million more quickly into the hands of our small business partners,” the company said.

BHP will also reduce payment terms to seven days (from 30 days) for more than 1100

small Australian businesses.

The company has also created a $6 million fund to support its labour hire companies and their

employees. The fund will be used for one-off payments for people quarantined after entering Australia and pay for labour hire employees not entitled to sick leave but affected by COVID-19.

BHP CEO Mike Henry said looking after the well-being and safety of its people,

communities and partners is the highest priority.

“We are taking action to reduce the risk of transmission at our sites, in our offices and

in our communities. Our local and small business partners play a critical role in

supporting our operations and our people, and we know this is a very difficult time for

them. We must look out for each other as we manage through this together,” Mr

Henry said.