Coronavirus: Coles to take on 5000 casuals to keep shelves stocked

Coles will recruit 5000 casual workers to meet customer demand.

Coles will recruit 5000 casual workers to meet customer demand but will not commit to providing paid leave to existing casuals if they are unable to work because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The supermarket giant said new casuals would have their ­inductions fast-tracked to ensure employee numbers could be ­increased as quickly as possible.

It would not commit to matching pledges by several big employers, including Woolworths, to provide up to 14 days’ paid leave to existing casuals ­impacted by the coronavirus.

Coles reiterated its position that the company was “considering how best to support all Coles team members in the event they are unable to attend work for reasons related to COVID-19”.

The news comes as Coles, along with competitor Woolworths, on Monday announced new opening hours of 7am to 8pm in response to skyrocketing demand.

Supermarkets were hit by a stampede of consumers at the weekend after Scott Morrison on Friday ­announced non-essential mass gatherings of more than 500 would be banned.

Panic buying saw shelves emptied of items such as pasta, rice, flour and frozen vegetables, as well as toilet paper, tissues and hand sanitiser.

Woolworths managing director Claire Peters said its supermarkets were selling about a week’s worth of toilet paper every day and distribution centres were unable to meet demand. Only the elderly and people with disabilities will be allowed into Coles and Woolworths stores between 7am and 8am to give them a chance to purchase ­essential items.

As well, Ms Peters said from Thursday Woolworths would make “care packages” of basic ­essential items available to vulnerable shoppers. “If they can come to our customer service desk and just ask, the team will help them and support them by giving them those products,” she said.

It comes after Woolworths halted its nationwide in-store pick-up service to allow staff to focus on serving customers, and temporarily halted home deliveries in Victoria. Both supermarket chains will close at 8pm to allow time to restock. The new opening hours will come into effect on Tuesday at Woolworths and Wednesday at Coles.