Workers anxious about virus impact on jobs

Beatrice Tucker is anxious about being evicted from her rental property as coronavirus limits her ability to work.

Her casual retail shifts have gone from 15 hours per week to just four.

But Beatrice is unable to accept them as she's previously had lung issues and is at high risk if she contracts COVID-19.

"I'm very anxious about eviction, I'm very anxious about what it's like for everyone I know," she told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

Alistair Thomson and his four cafe colleagues all lost their jobs last week because the building closed down due to the virus.

He's managed to get a casual research job for one day a week.

"It's enough to keep me going but I don't know how certain it is, if it's going to continue or if I get sick if I'll be able to work," he said.

"It's quite stressful."

Long queues have formed outside Centrelink offices across the country as Australians lose work because of coronavirus.

Pubs, clubs, cinemas, gyms, casinos and churches have all closed in a bid to slow the spread of the virus, slashing jobs in the process.

In addition to the $750 stimulus payment announced earlier this month, the government will provide a further $750 to social security, veteran income support recipients and eligible concession card holders.

The government has also announced a new time-limited coronavirus supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight to both existing and new recipients of the JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance for job seekers, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit.

The payment boost won't kick in until April 27.

Australian Council of Trade Unions president Michele O'Neil says the timing is unacceptable.

"That increase needs to happen now," she said.

"Workers need this money today in their pockets."

Ms O'Neil has urged the coalition to look to the UK, where the government is paying 80 per cent of workers' wages.

She says such a subsidy should come with a guarantee that any taxpayer money that goes to a business ensures people remain employed.

"This is a story about ordinary Australians. People who are losing their job, losing hours of work and are facing enormous fear and uncertainty," she said.

Hospo Voice estimates more than 1500 jobs have already been lost, alongside more than 8000 shifts and about $1.2 million in wages.