One recruiter to have seen some positive effects is LS Virtual, a Manchester-based office and secretarial staff recruiter. Director Lily Shippen told Recruiter that while the traditional recruitment side of the business was down since the effects of coronavirus began to bite, the side that provides virtual secretaries, PAs and executive assistants had seen a pick-up in demand, although she said that overall business was down. 

Shippen said the financial impact on the company depends on how long the current situation continues. “If it goes on for four weeks, we will probably be 50% down, but if it only lasts two weeks we can probably claw the money back.

“Many companies are going to find it hard to weather this coronavirus storm,” added Shippen. “Working virtually as much as possible is going to limit spread of the virus, so our company wants to help those who might be finding it difficult to get through the next few weeks by offering a guarantee of no minimum hours, so the smallest of companies and individual workers can get the vital support they need.”

She said that the company still intends to take on a fourth member of staff on Monday.

Meanwhile Morrisons announced that it is to create 3,500 new jobs to expand its home delivery service. The retailer said it would be recruiting about 2,500 pickers and drivers, plus 1,000 staff in its distribution centres.

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