This is the belief of Workforce XS managing director Rebecca Ponsonby, who told The Courier her business has been working overtime to try and help Ballarat workers get back on their feet.

The organisation is however going one step further than just connecting potential staff to employers.

Workforce XS has launched an initiative where they are donating $50 Woolworth gift vouchers to people in need for each company that employs someone through the agency for over two weeks.

Ms Ponsonby said it was simply their way of paying it forward during a difficult time for everyone.

"What we're actually doing is for every company that orders casual staff for two weeks of work consisting of over 30 hours a week, we're going to give away $50 Woolworth gift vouchers to people in the community who have lost their jobs," she said.

"We're not making any money here, we're just wanting to pay it forward."

The business is hoping advertising through multiple means and people spreading the initiative through word of mouth will connect them with those who need the assistance most.

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"We've put a call out to the community over multiple platforms so we can help find these people.

"We're finding word of mouth is maybe the best way of helping people because people can see we're not just about taking money, we're wanting to give it back to somewhere good in the community."

Ms Ponsonby added she believed all businesses should do something to assist those affected by the pandemic if they are financially able to do so.

"I think all businesses can do something. At the moment a lot of people are quite disheartened by what's happening but at the same time people thrive on good news stories from the community.

The agency has seen an influx of industries looking for skilled workers, such as rail and horticulture, for as long as six months.

"We are working with industries across the following sectors: finance areas, health and aged care, administration, rail, civil construction, manufacturing and transport and logistics, cleaning and horticulture," Ms Ponsonby added.

"The roles are varying between one week and six months. Obviously this can change on a daily basis dependent upon Government announcements."

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