Jobs Victoria is linking thousands of jobseekers with food suppliers to reduce critical workforce shortages and help keep the State’s supermarket shelves stocked.
Premier, Daniel Andrews said Jobs Victoria was 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 already had an overwhelming response, with more than 2,000 people expressing interest in the jobs,” Mr Andrews said.
“The roles available include pick-packers to assemble online orders, night-fillers to re-stock shelves, cashiers, delivery drivers and forklift operators,” he said.
“Roles are available for anyone looking for work, especially those whose employment has been heavily affected by the pandemic.”
Mr Andrews said employers would provide any necessary training, including induction and Occupational Health and Safety.
The Premier said Jobs Victoria was streamlining the hiring process by undertaking initial screening support to get people on the job as soon as possible.
“We want to keep food on the supermarket shelves and Victorians in jobs – and this program does both,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Andrews said Government was also set to begin distributing 25,000 rapid antigen tests, on a cost recovery basis, to critical utilities and food supply chain services such as meat and poultry suppliers.
