While the spread of the coronavirus has caused millions of layoffs across the country, select businesses are on a hiring spree to meet increased demand related to the outbreak.
These employers tend to fall under the “essential” grocery and logistics industries that are keeping people fed and supplied amid increasingly expansive quarantine orders.
Walmart, for instance, said it plans to hire 150,000 additional employees by the end of May. The retailer also told investors last week that sales have remained steady through the outbreak.
Dollar General said it will hire 50,000 new employees by the end of April. In a move that a number of hiring companies have echoed, the discount chain has promoted its job opportunities as potential relief for workers impacted by the coronavirus.
“For any individual whose job has been temporarily impacted by the effect of COVID-19, we currently have a number of full and part time positions available across our stores, distribution centers and private fleet network,” the company said in a press release.
Another discount chain Save A Lot said it’s hiring 1,000 workers across its national footprint due to “unprecedented levels of business and demand.” The grocer is speeding up the hiring process as well by offering hired workers the chance to start the same day or the next.
CVS Health said it has committed to “immediately fill” 50,000 part-time, full-time and temporary positions across the country. The pharmacy is also offering bonuses to existing employees, paid sick leave for part-time employees, and expanded child care options.
Amazon’s hiring plans leaked to the press ahead of its latest wave of hiring announcements. The Wall Street Journal reported last week that the e-commerce giant plans to hire 100,000 new warehouse and delivery workers and to raise the pay for those positions across the board.
Companies delivering prepared food are also banking on continued demand, as many have been dubbed “essential” under shelter-in-place orders across the country.
Domino’s has announced plans to hire 10,000 part-time and full-time workers, including delivery drivers, pizza cookers and managers. The pizza chain has also touted its hiring spree as a potential option for recently laid-off restaurant industry workers.
"Our corporate and franchise stores want to make sure they're not only feeding people, but also providing opportunity to those looking for work at this time, especially those in the heavily-impacted restaurant industry," CEO Ritch Allison said in a statement.
Convenience stores, likewise, anticipate a role for themselves during the crisis.
7-Eleven says it plans to hire 20,000 new employees, the majority of which will work for 7NOW, an on-demand delivery app.
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