Coronavirus: Peterborough firm steps up sanitiser production as care company to create new city jobs

Creightons announced that it has dedicated a production line at its factory to sanitant output.

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This follows its announcement on March 3 that it had brought in additional manufacturing capacity specifically for sanitants and hand-washing products.

The company based in Lincoln Road, Werrington, said it has been able to find effective, alternative supplies for alcohol, the core ingredient in sanitant, but that it was calling on the Government to engage with the alcohol supply chain to ensure there is no profiteering through unnecessary restriction of supply.

Creightons managing director Bernard Johnson said: “Creightons has responded to the massive increase in demand for sanitants without which much of the UK’s food manufacturing and healthcare sector would be unable to function.

“We have switched production out of our traditional hair and beauty ranges into the now-critical product of sanitant. Whilst the price of core raw materials has in some cases tripled, we have been able to find work arounds and are successfully sourcing alternative component product.

“The UK Government, though, needs to ensure that suppliers of raw materials, and especially alcohol, are likewise stepping up to the plate and running productions lines at full capacity.”

Meanwhile, home care company Cera has announced the creation of 10,000 new jobs - including in Peterborough - to help battle the coronavirus pandemic - and wants those facing redundancy

to apply.

The firm, which was only founded in 2016, plans to increase its workforce six-fold from 2,000 to 12,000 with its new staff ready to start work in just 10 days through its online training programme.

It expects a surge in demand as an estimated nine million Britons over 70 face weeks of self-isolation to protect themselves from the virus.

It is the latest company to announce a mass recruitment drive to meet demand generated by the coronavirus crisis, with some of the UK’s biggest supermarkets creating an estimated 20,000 jobs in the last week.

Cera uses digital and data analytics to try and improve its service and has created an app to provide up-to-date health information of service users to their family members.

In the last month, it has raised £50 million through loans and investment to finance expansion and the roll out of its new online platform.

Chief executive Dr Ben Maruthappu is hoping those who may have lost or be at risk of losing their jobs in the hospitality, catering, fitness, travel and cleaning industries will take on the new roles.

He has promised that the new staff will be retained even after the pandemic eases.

Cera’s services are commissioned by the NHS and local authorities and also provide self-funded care, Dr Maruthappu said, with carers earning up to £600 per week.

He added the company was following Public Health England’s guidance on infection control and providing its staff with personal protective equipment to prevent them bringing the virus into the homes of clients.

Jobs are being created across the country but with the majority of roles concentrated in London, King’s Lynn, Norwich, Stowmarket and Peterborough.

Those interested in applying should visit Cera’s website or go to BecomeACarer.co.uk.

All applicants will need to undergo a criminal record background check.