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US-based Walmart has announced plans to hire 150,000 employees for its stores, clubs, distribution centres and fulfilment centres in the US to keep up with the increased business due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

These new roles, which will be hired through May, are initially on a temporary basis and may be converted to permanent over time.

The retailer has approached industry groups representing restaurants and hospitality to provide their employees whose jobs are affected in the current situation for the temporary roles.

Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon said: “We know millions of Americans who are usually employed at this time are temporarily out of work, and at the same time, we’re currently seeing strong demand in our stores.

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“We’re looking for people who see Walmart as a chance to earn some extra money and perform a vital service to their community.”

Considering the situation in the country, a Covid-19 emergency leave policy was also issued by the company for employees affected by the disease.

In addition, Walmart announced a special cash bonus of $300 to full-time hourly workers and $150 to part-time associates.

The retailer will also accelerate the next scheduled quarterly bonus for the hourly employees in the US.

McMillon added: “Walmart associates have gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving our customers during these unprecedented times. We want to reward our associates for their hard work and recognise them for the work that is in front of us.”

In a similar move, online retailer Amazon had announced the hiring of 10,000 additional workers in its fulfilment centres and delivery network earlier this week to deal with the increase in online orders.