Comedian Jason Manford reveals application to become Tesco driver was unsuccessful

Manford says he applied for position seven weeks ago ‘when it looked like supermarkets were going to need thousands of extra hands’

Sabrina Barr
Tuesday 05 May 2020 16:14 BST
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jason Manford has revealed an application he submitted to become a driver for Tesco was unsuccessful.

The comedian, who previously appeared as a team captain on Channel 4 panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats, recently shared a screenshot of a response he received when applying to become a customer assistant at Tesco.

Manford explained on social media that he applied to become a driver for the supermarket seven weeks ago “when I thought, like everyone, it was basically wartime and it would require all hands on deck”.

The television and radio presenter outlined that he submitted his application on 21 March, five days past the supermarket’s deadline on 16 March.

On Twitter, Manford jokingly said that he was “absolutely livid” to have missed out on the position, stating: “I hope the better person got and enjoys the job.”​

In a further update, Manford said: “I have since managed to fill my ‘spare time’ doing some volunteer driving (this is not ‘virtue signalling’, just defending myself!) and homeschooling six kids (and doing our little quizzes and kids’ comedy clubs!) and being made to clean my own house by my wife.

“At the same time I also don’t believe ‘we’re all in this together’,” he continued.

“I’m more aware than ever the differences in society and chatting to some of the people I’ve driven the last few weeks has only highlighted how hard the lockdown has been for people with less money and space. I feel extremely fortunate.”

Manford concluded his message by saying: “Hope you’re all keeping safe and being kind to yourself and to others.”

A spokesperson for Tesco said that the supermarket would be “happy to receive an application” from Manford in the future.

“Jason’s skills would have no doubt brought a lot of joy to our customers and colleagues, so it’s a shame he didn’t make the deadline for this vacancy,” they stated.

“But should he ever want to join the Tesco family in the future, we’d be happy to receive an application from him.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in