Even amongst a sea of bleak news, there is one ray of sunshine at BHP. Get your resumes and cover letters out and strike now. These won’t last long.

BHP said it would hire 1500 workers to support its workforce operating across Australia in iron ore, coal and copper production. The 1500 jobs will be offered as six-month contracts and cover a range of skills needed by BHP operations in the short term.

BHP said the new workers would support and bolster its existing workforce during “this difficult time”. As part of social distancing measures it will operate sites with smaller teams.

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 mines in Western Australia, Queensland, NSW and South Australia.

Financial review (20 March 2020)