The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the overall labour market in Australia, with the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors feeling the full impact.
In response to the government's restrictions on social gatherings and social distancing measures, many companies are being forced to shut their doors for an indefinite period. As a result, many employers are being forced to stand down or lay off workers.
Despite the disruptions to the job market, there are still some ASX companies and sectors that are looking to hire in response to the pandemic. Here are some ASX sectors that are hiring.
Mining
Late last week, mining giant BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) announced that the company will be hiring an additional 1,500 people to support its workforce across Australia. The company is preparing to recruit short-term workers for its coal, copper and iron ore operations in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia.
BHP is looking to hire people for a wide range of roles, including machinery and production operators, truck drivers, electricians, cleaners, mechanics and warehouse duties. According to the media release, BHP will look to offer permanent roles for some of the short-term contracts.
Telecom
Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) is also looking to add 1,000 positions to its customer service team. The temporary contracts are intended to manage a surge in call centre volumes, with Telstra's network experiencing unprecedented demand.
With many people now working from home, Telstra has brought forward plans to increase its network capacity and accelerate the 5G rollout. In addition to hiring customer service operators, Telstra is also looking to give its consumer and small business home broadband customers unlimited data until the end of April. The company is also providing pensioners with unlimited home phone calls.
Supermarkets
Australian supermarket giants Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) have experienced unprecedented demand. As a result, both companies are looking to go on a hiring spree in order to keep up with consumer demand.
Coles announced that the company will be recruiting more than 5,000 casual team members to work in supermarkets across Australia. Woolworths is also looking to hire more casual staff in stores and distribution centres in order to keep up with demand. The supermarket giant is also looking to increase its online delivery services in a bid to serve vulnerable and inconvenienced shoppers.
Foolish takeaway
Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) recently announced that the company has seen an increase in delivery orders and is actively hiring more drivers. As the company implements a 'zero-contact' delivery service, it may be a sign that more opportunities in the hospitality and retail sectors will emerge.
In addition to sectors on the ASX, there are other trades and divisions that will be experiencing greater demand. Such jobs include cleaners, delivery drivers, customer service operators and health-related roles.
