In England, poultry producer Bernard Matthews is seeking an extra 200 new staff to fill jobs at its processing plants after demand for its turkey meat products soared by 35% since the outbreak of the coronavirus.
The company is hiring temporary staff - predominantly to fill roles in its factories - at its sites in Great Witchingham in Norfolk and Holton in Suffolk - and will extend contracts on a week-by-week basis as needed.
HR director Andrew Sherwood said demand for its turkey had soared due to consumers eating more at home as a result of the restrictions on going and dining out, and amid stockpiling of frozen and fresh chicken.
“You don’t need any prior experience in factory work to apply” he said. “We know there are a lot of people in the hospitality sector who may be looking for a job, and this could provide a stop-gap for them.”