In response to job losses around the country, as a result of COVID-19, Australia’s on-demand staffing platform Weploy has introduced a free service for both job seekers and employers via its new platform, WeployConnect.

Weploy is challenging the community to help them hire 1,000 people in ten days, with names including RMIT already online offering jobs, and companies including Roll’d and Bevilles helping their staff to onboard.

Weploy CEO and co-founder Tony Wu said it was important to focus on people over profits in times of crisis.

“Humans helping humans is what’s most important during times like these. COVID-19 has forced a large portion of Weploy’s employer base to make heart-breaking decisions to stand-down or let go of staff, and we felt there was an opportunity to provide some form of relief,” he said.

“We repurposed our existing tech to build WeployConnect, meaning we have the ability to match jobseekers with suitable employers, quickly and without any cost to either party. We strongly believe now is not the time to focus on profit, but rather stepping up and doing what we can to help Australians get through this stressful time.”

Despite the introduction of JobKeeper and JobSeeker stimulus packages, Wu said Australians would still be doing it tough, with many ineligible for the packages or those who are eligible experiencing lengthy delays from Centrelink.

“Stimulus packages are important, and Australia has set the bar globally, however for many it won’t be enough. We need to think of alternative ways to support Australians, but also provide opportunities to engage in meaningful work, particularly with higher levels of stress and anxiety associated with isolation and crises.”