ILMINSTER-based potato supplier Branston has announced a recruitment drive for temporary jobs at its Somerset factory, in order to accommodate the country’s increased demand for potatoes since the coronavirus outbreak.

The potato supplier has created a range of new roles, including team leaders, machine operatives, forklift truck drivers and engineers.

James Truscott, managing director at Branston, said: “We want to keep the nation supplied with potatoes during this time of need, which have always been a staple of the British diet.

“So many businesses have been impacted and many people have been laid off from their jobs so we’re hoping we might be able to help, at least in the short term.”

Branston's South Somerset farm produces more than 70,000 tonnes of potatoes every year, supplying to UK's biggest supermarket, Tesco.

In 2018, Branston invested £500,000 on new equipment to ensure gentler handling of Somerset spuds, while 2019 saw staff raise £1,157 for St Margaret’s Hospice Care.

The team spent five days trekking around nearby village Seavington St Michael, walking 300 miles and picking up litter in the process.

Now the potato supplier is offering a lifeline to locals.

Simon Telfer, HR director at Branston, said: “We also want people to register their interest in jobs at Branston even if there isn’t anything specifically suitable to their skillset. We are making daily changes to our operations and new roles are continually being created.

“Our agronomy staff are currently being trained on the weighbridge intake process and we’re training up our engineers to run the packing machines. Office staff who have a forklift truck license are also now helping out in the factories. Everyone is doing their bit”

Branston is offering temporary contracts to people with all levels of experience has simplified its recruitment process by setting up a temporary jobs email address and telephone screening, in order to reduce unnecessary face to face contact in light of the social distancing advice.

To apply for jobs at Branston, please visit www.branston.com/careers/job-vacancies

For more information about the temporary vacancies at Branston, you can contact tempjobs@branston.co.uk.