With stores now operating long hours and demand at an all-time high, many supermarkets are seeking extra hands to help restock shelves and drop-off deliveries.

Coles kicked off the recruitment drive this week by advertising 5,000 casual positions to help improve service and replenish stock faster. Successful applicants will be given fast-tracked inductions so they can start straight away.

They’re not the only supermarket short of workers. ALDI CEO, Tom Daunt has announced that the German grocery chain will also be looking to hire a significant number of recruits in the weeks ahead, with jobs available across warehouses, stores and logistics.

Meanwhile, Woolworths has pledged new jobs to laid-off Qantas staff, with the major supermarket on the lookout for a high volume of short term workers.

Woolworths group chief people officer Caryn Katsikogianis told the Australian Financial Review: “We will need more hands on deck to help meet the needs of our customers in the coming months.”

“We’ll be looking to offer as many flexible contract and casual roles as we can to help us navigate the period ahead.”

Not only will that mean extra cash for those with time on their hands, but also potentially first dibs on the toilet paper.