BHP will hire 1,500 additional people to support its workforce operating across Australia. The jobs will be offered as six-month contracts and cover a range of skills needed by BHP operations in the short term.
BHP says the jobs will support and bolster the company’s existing workforce during this difficult time.
The roles will include machinery and production operators, truck and ancillary equipment drivers, excavator operators, diesel mechanics boilermakers, trades assistants, electricians, cleaners and warehousing roles across BHP’s coal, iron ore and copper operations in WA, QLD, NSW and SA. The jobs will be offered through existing labour hire partners and BHP contracts in each state.
Following the initial six-month contract, BHP will look to offer permanent roles for some of these jobs. BHP will continue to assess this program and may increase the number of jobs available.
Business will be paid sooner
BHP has also announced the company will reduce payment terms for small, local and Indigenous businesses as part of a program to support its communities and regional economies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
BHP will make immediate payments of outstanding invoices. The accelerated payment program is expected to deliver approximately $100 million more quickly into the hands of the company’s small business partners.
BHP will reduce payment terms to seven days (from 30 days) for more than 1,100 small Australian businesses.
BHP CEO, Mike Henry said looking after the wellbeing and safety of people, communities and partners is the highest priority.
“We are taking action to reduce the risk of transmission at our sites, in our offices and in our communities. Our local and small business partners play a critical role in supporting our operations and our people, and we know this is a very difficult time for them. We must look out for each other as we manage through this together,” Mr Henry said.
BHP Acting Minerals Australia President Edgar Basto said as part of BHP’s social distancing measures the company is introducing more small teams with critical skills to work dynamically across different shifts.
“The Government has said that the resources industry is vital in Australia’s response to the global pandemic. We are stepping up and providing jobs and contracts.”
BHP has also created a $6 million fund to support its labour hire companies and their employees. The fund will be used for one-off payments for people quarantined after entering Australia and pay for labour hire employees not entitled to sick leave but affected by COVID-19.
A small business is defined as generating less than $10 million revenue, restrictions on FTE numbers have been removed.
The revised payment terms arrangements will take effect next week. BHP will contact eligible small business partners with more information in coming days.