The boss of one of Cumbria’s biggest employers has launched an urgent appeal for those out of work to take up roles in its factory to keep up with a surge in demand. 

Ronald Kers, chief executive of food giant 2 Sisters Food Group published his direct video appeal on social media to encourage people to take up roles at its sites across the UK, which includes the Cavaghan & Gray factory in Carlisle.

The company – already one of the biggest employers in the city – said it was eager to speak to people out of work following the virtual collapse of the leisure and hospitality sector as it struggled with the unprecedented demand brought on by the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

In his video post Mr Kers said : “2 Sisters’ job is literally to feed the nation. Getting food to people has never been so important. As we come together as a country to fight the coronavirus, we need everybody’s help to keep our factories running.

“We urgently need people so we can keep delivering a full range of products to supermarkets across the country. We are recruiting now for a wide range of factory and logistics jobs up and down the country. Please join us and help feed the nation.”

Last week all UK food sector workers were designated ‘key worker’ status by Government, which meant if they were fit and well they could work as normal.

For 2 Sisters face it poses the doubly-difficult challenge of meeting the demand for its products, while at the same time ensuring it has enough members of staff amid higher than usual rates of staff absenteeism due to the need for self-isolation.

Mr Kers added: “This has brought about an urgent need for vacancies, both permanent and temporary roles. 

“We have seen this across food and retail. We are hopeful that given the devastating effect this current crisis has had on certain sectors, we can reach out to these people and persuade them that a career in the food industry can be both fulfilling and enjoyable.”

A spokesman for Cavaghan & Gray added: “We have various roles ranging from packing, dispatch, preparation and there are various shift patterns to fit around people’s lifestyles. We can interview applicants immediately and hopefully we can accommodate as many people as possible. We will do all we can to help.”

The Cavaghan and Gray food production factory is based in Brunel Way.

In 2018 it won a major contract to supply M&S, creating 200 jobs.