diff --git a/merlin/merlin.py b/merlin/merlin.py
index cd6fb06..0099a6e 100755
--- a/merlin/merlin.py
+++ b/merlin/merlin.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 #!/usr/bin/python2
 
-import time, sys, os, errno, logging, signal, copy, select, socket, grp
+import time, sys, os, errno, logging, signal, copy, select, socket, grp, random
 
 daily = 86400
 twice_daily = 86400 / 2
@@ -634,7 +634,10 @@ def await_command(ear):
             logging.error('Could not communicate with arthur over socket.')
 
 def new_jobs(now):
-    for current in repos:
+    #To prevent repos at the 'bottom' of the dictionary from getting neglected when mirror is under unusual load (and merlin is running at MAX_JOBS)
+    keys = repos.keys()
+    random.shuffle(keys)
+    for current in keys:
         if len(jobs) >= MAX_JOBS:
             break
         if now <= repos[current]['last-attempt'] + mintime: