Charlotte Grainger 
It may come as a surprise, but some businesses are hiring.
The country has hit pause. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, we've been given a memo: Stay inside and save lives. The domino effect was a fast one, though. Thousands of workers around the UK have found themselves furloughed or, worse, unemployed.
Whilst there is government support for everyone, you may need to fill that employment gap on your CV. If you're interested in giving any of these a shot, here's a quick guide to some of the opportunities available to you.
Courier temp jobs
Delivery service Hermes is currently looking for self-employed drivers to take on roles in their local areas. To apply for one of these positions, you will need a full UK driving licence and a vehicle with valid MOT and insurance. Drivers typically receive between £10 and £15 per hour.
The best part is that you can work the hours you choose and take on as much or as little work as you need. This type of role is ideal for people who need flexible schedules.
Should you decide to take on a role with Hermes, it's important to note that you will be self-employed. That means that you will need to register for self-assessment with HMRC and pay your own taxes. You should keep a record of your income and business-related outgoings. What's more, it's wise to save around 25 per cent of your overall income to pay your national insurance and taxes at the end of the tax year.
Food supply temp jobs
Want to help #FeedTheNation? Staffline Recruitment and PeoplePlus are UK recruiters open to applicants for essential services, including food supply, retail and delivery services. Aside from matching applicants with the right roles, they also help retrain people for certain jobs. When you have passed the interview phase of their recruitment process, you will get the chance to have some transition training to prepare you for your new temp role. You may also get some industry-specific training.
The range of roles available through these recruiters is wide. From food manufacturing roles at the likes of Hovis and Karro to supermarket warehouse roles, there's something for everyone. If you're searching for a short-term job to help you fill your employment gap, signing up with this group could be a step in the right direction. Check out the vacancies in your area and see which ones appeal to you and your schedule.
Supermarket temp jobs
Whilst much of the nation is bunkering down during the outbreak, there are a few sectors that are busier than ever. Needless to say, we should all be grateful for the tireless work of supermarket staff members.
Currently, there's a surging demand for workers in this area. That's due to a range of factors, such as vulnerable workers having to isolate during this period. If you're ready to take on the challenge and step into a role, here are the major supermarkets offering temp work:
You can apply directly through the supermarkets' sites and specify the hours that you are available to work. In many cases, you won't need any formal qualifications to apply for these particular roles. However, it may be helpful to have some prior customer service experience.
NHS temp jobs
Of course, the NHS is under immense pressure because of COVID-19. Nurses, doctors and professionals in between are working long shifts to keep our nation as healthy as possible. It should come as no surprise then that the government is recruiting for many permanent and temporary roles right now.
You can check out the available NHS roles online and see if you are qualified for any positions. Whilst many of the jobs are for medical professionals, there are some admin and general roles too. It's worth checking out the positions in your local area and seeing if you match the criteria.
Start applying today
To use a worn-out phrase, we are living in unprecedented times. Whilst many businesses have been hit by the sudden change, others are most definitely in need of extra support. If you find that you're unexpectedly unemployed during this period, taking on a temporary role could be the answer to your financial woes. Why not start looking and applying today? You might just find the perfect fit.
Looking for temporary work near you? Check out our CV-writing services and improve your chances of landing your next role.