APC has announced a major recruitment drive to meet the growing demand in online shopping seen during the coronavirus pandemic.

The courier company wants to hire more than 100 new members of staff, all of which will be permanent positions, including drivers, warehouse operatives, customer services staff and IT.

The news comes following official figures announced by the Office for National Statistics yesterday, which highlight that employment in the UK has fallen by the largest amount in over a decade between April and June.

However, APC is reporting growth, with parcel and consignment volumes at an all-time high. 

The surge in online shopping now looks set to continue, says APC, as peak period - the busiest time of the year for logistics firms, including Black Friday and Christmas - approaches.

APC’s chief executive, Jonathan Smith, said that the past five months have seen “unprecedented demand” for its delivery services.

“This increased demand and continued SME customer growth, has led to a need for an even larger workforce as we approach peak season and continue to grow as a business.”

He explained: “We are at a watershed moment in the industry – with many of these new consumer shopping habits likely here to stay – in turn creating longer-term opportunities within the APC and the logistics sector.

“We are committed not only to providing job opportunities to people in the local area, but also to give those that may not have previously considered a role in logistics, with the ability to build a career in an industry that is thriving.” 

All successful applicants receive training from The APC’s dedicated Training Academy, which provides an induction training programme. New starters are also supported through the transition from this learning environment to warehouse floor.

The company says it is also strongly committed to providing young people with long-term employment opportunities, having recently announced its plans to get behind the government’s Kickstart Scheme.

The APC has already received high levels of interest for other roles, with applications for vacancies attracting nearly three times as many applicants per vacancy than before Covid-19.