Bradford-based supermarket giant Morrisons said on Tuesday it will implement “a number of measures to support colleagues and customers” during the Coronavirus outbreak — including the creation of 3,500 jobs.

In addition to hiring around 2,500 pickers and drivers to expand home delivery, Morrisons will be recruiting 1,000 people to work in the company’s distribution centres.

“As a British family business, Morrisons will do its bit during the emergency and today sets out a plan to protect and help colleagues and expand home delivery to many more households at a time of national need,” said Morrisons.

“In doing so, Morrisons will create an extra 3,500 jobs. 

“These measures follow on from Morrisons announcement last week that it would be implementing immediate payments for its smaller suppliers, supporting their cashflow during this very difficult time for the British economy.”

The key elements of the Morrisons plan are: 

• A colleague hardship fund – to support staff who are in financial difficulty as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak
• Staff who are sick with the Coronavirus will receive sick pay whether or not they would normally be eligible
• Asking customers at the checkout to pay, if possible, by card or smartphone to reduce cash handling
• Expanding home delivery – Morrisons is to introduce new ways of delivering groceries and more slots for customers, which will also help vulnerable people and those affected by the virus.
• Job vacancies will be advertised through a campaign on radio and social media and the Morrisons jobs website morrisons.jobs

Morrisons CEO David Potts said: “We expect the days, weeks and months ahead to be very testing and we are determined to do our bit.

“These measures will support our very hard-working colleagues, enable us to provide more food to more people in their homes and create opportunities for people whose jobs are affected by the coronavirus.”