LAID-off workers are being urged to sign up for emergency shop work during the coronavirus crisis.

It is estimated there are more than 734 shifts available in the South East to help keep food, drink and other essential household items on the shelves during the crisis.

Daniel O’Toole, chief executive of the flexible retail working site RMS, which is co-ordinating the response for many of the major supermarkets, says the sector urgently needs people to help.

He said: “There is no shortage of food, but there is a shortage of people to get it on to the shelves.

“The major food retailers need those people who have been put on short-time working or have been laid off in the pub, hospitality and leisure sectors, to sign up, earn some extra cash and help get food back on the shelves.

“All the shifts available are very flexible.

“We understand that we have to fit in with mums and dads who have children to take care of, but having family responsibilities is no barrier to signing up.

“With a simple online application, we can have people on shop floors within 24 hours.”

To sign up, visit www.rms.uk.com/join-us.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal.  Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund