Essential workers line up for Covid-19 jabs in Timaru
“It is going to set everyone back, people will get further behind with their workload.”
He said the lockdown was a big concern especially for small companies.
“But I see a lot of people out walking. They’re enjoying the break.”
Active Refrigeration South Canterbury (ARSC), which serviced large industry clients such as Fonterra, McCains and Sanford, has 16 staff in Timaru and “under level 4 they’re working from home travelling to sites in their own vehicles,” director Sarah Flynn said.
“It’s just business as usual really. We’ve got safe work protocols, extra PEP gear. We’ve had our apprentices staying at home.”
ARSC also had branches in Dunedin, Invercargill and Central Otago and one of the biggest challenges was getting essential workers from overseas, Flynn said.
“We’re working with the Government and immigration because our trade is so specialised, and it’s hard finding the people with the qualifications and experience.”
Flynn said they could take on another four staff.
“Unfortunately we’ve advertised for people and get no applications from New Zealanders.”
