Poultry producer Moy Park will reportedly create temporary employment opportunities at its Northern Ireland facilities to meet the growing demand for its chicken products due to the outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19).

Moy Park said that the decision to increase production comes in response to changes in customer shopping patterns at supermarkets and retail outlets in Northern Ireland and Great Britain as Covid-19 spreads.

Owned by US group Pilgrim’s Pride, the industry considers Moy Park one of the largest poultry processors in Europe.

The company will hire people to work in positions ranging from agriculture to production operations and across various facilities, including Dungannon, Tyrone, Craigavon, Armagh and Ballymena, Antrim.

Moy Park human resources and performance director Kirsty Wilkins said: “There has been a noticeable increase in grocery sales as people practise social distancing and self-isolate.

“This has resulted in a heightened demand for chicken produce and with it, opportunities in the sector to meet this demand. We are keen to support individuals who are looking for short term employment to meet changing consumer purchasing habits.

“This increase in grocery retail comes at a time when there has been a fall in demand across our sister sectors of hospitality and tourism as people’s socialising and travel plans are curtailed. We hope the pressure being faced across these industries is short term and, in the meantime, we are keen to help anyone looking for a job through these new opportunities.”

The company said that roles will be suitable for people with hospitality industry experience, as they will be aware of food hygiene and safety regulations.

In June 2018, Moy Park announced an investment of more than £18m to be spent across a number of its sites in Lincolnshire.