A NUMBER of local businesses are seeking extra workers in response to increased demand following the coronavirus.

Karro Food Limited, is seeking hundreds of new staff on permanent and temporary contracts to meet the increased demand for food from supermarkets, including over 200 vacancies at its Norton,based factory.

Cranswick Yorkshire Baker and Malton Foods and Tofoo are also looking for extra staff.

Steve Ellis, CEO at Karro, said the company is looking for people to join them in a whole range of factory based roles.

“Following the government’s advice to avoid unnecessary social contact due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the demand for in home food has risen sharply. We are proud to do our bit to keep food on the nations table and are looking for more people to come and help support our efforts,” he added.

“There is an immediate need to recruit people into the business at Malton.

Mr Ellis said: “These are uncertain times for many people, especially in the hospitality industry, as pubs, restaurants and hotels close. Applicants from the hospitality sector could be particularly suitable due to familiarity with food hygiene and safety regulations. However, Karro will also provide training to those who have no experience.

Mr Ellis added:“At Karro we want to do all we can to support the local communities in which we operate. We would encourage people looking for permanent or temporary employment to get in touch and come and join us in feeding the nation.”

“In our factories all of our teams wear protective clothing and wash their hands frequently throughout the day and our factories are hygienically cleaned every evening. We are continuing to follow government guidelines to protect our employees and ensure as a food business we can keep food on our nation’s tables.”

Allied to this, Karro is also advising anyone, in line with government guidance, who has any symptoms to stay at home and self-isolate for seven days if they live on their own or if they live with others that everyone in that household needs to stay at home and self-isolate for 14 days. So it is doing everything it can to operate safely and in line with the guidance.

“More generally, it’s clear that as a food manufacturer Karro is operating as an essential business as outlined by the government and is helping to keep the nation fed at this time. Similarly as a company that is meeting an essential need it is playing a critical role in supporting the local economy and local population through job opportunities, especially for those who may have been hit elsewhere.”

To enquire, email your name and contact details to: recruitment@karro.co.uk