Choose from 250,000 temporary roles up for grabs this festive period

LOST your job after furlough? Or looking to switch careers?

With the economy creaking back into life, experts reckon there are 250,000 temporary roles up for grabs this festive period, with opportunities across the country.

Lots of major employers start their seasonal recruitment this weekend.

And with many families preparing for Christmas earlier than ever to spread costs, thousands of roles are open now for an immediate start.

Around one in five Christmas temps are offered permanent roles, historically. So it can be a great option for those who need a speedy route back into work.

Seasonal employment improves your CV too and gives you a fresh reference, so is ideal for students and jobseekers returning to work after time out.

Sunemployment today has 100,000 seasonal jobs listed, with tens of thousands more to come in the following weeks.

Employment minister Mims Davies said: “A temporary job in the run-up to Christmas is a fantastic way to learn new skills, boost confidence and gain valuable additional experience, all while earning some extra cash.”

Tesco is taking on 15,000 temporary festive staff. It also has 3,000 permanent warehouse distribution roles up for grabs, with a £500 bonus for those joining by October 30.

One former temporary Tesco worker is Mehak Sharma, 26. She swapped a job at Heathrow airport for packing customer Christmas orders with the supermarket chain and now has a permanent role, in Team Support in Checkouts.

Mehak, from Hayes, Middlesex, said: “After spotting the festive job ad, I applied online and was interviewed within a few days.

“Don’t feel discouraged by the temporary Christmas contract. If you are bringing the qualities and skills Tesco is looking for, you will have the chance to grow and will be recognised.

“I was offered a permanent job within a couple of months.” Tesco Rescourcing chief Angela Woolfenden said: “Our festive roles are a great way to become part of the team.

“It’s an opportunity to meet great people, learn new skills and be part of a diverse team where everyone is welcome.” Apply at tescocareers.com/christmas.

Make cash with temporary jobs over Christmas

GET yourself an early Christmas present.

There are tens of thousands of temporary jobs available in many sectors. Below is a selection . . .

WAREHOUSE & DELIVERY

• The Royal Mail is hiring 20,000 seasonal staff for its mail centres and parcel hubs. Royal Mail Chief People Officer, Zareena Brown, said: “Christmas is a brilliant experience and one that we know offers lots of opportunities for employment and engagement in the communities we serve.” Apply at jobs.royalmailgroup.com/go/Christmas-Recruitment/4479401/
• Currys and GXO have 500 roles in the Newark National Distribution Centre. Jobs range from warehouse operatives, to forklift truck drivers and pickers. Email dixons@jobandtalent.com
• Hermes has 14,00 (self-employed) courier jobs plus 264 roles in customer service and IT. For courier roles apply to beacourier.co.uk, for the other vacancies, see hermes.current-vacancies.com/
• Yodel is hiring 4,311 colleagues in a variety of roles, including warehouse operatives, sorters and couriers. See yodelopportunities.co.uk

SUPERMARKETS

Here’s a super chance to boost your CV.

• Sainburys and Argos are taking on 22,000 temps. There are 14,500 in-store opportunities, 3,000 delivery driver roles and 4,500 logistics vacancies. Apply at sainsburys.jobs
• Morrisons is searching for 3,000 Christmas staff for its distribution centres and manufacturing sites nationwide. The starting salary is £10 per hour with permanent jobs available too. Clare Grainger, Morrisons People Director, said: “Customers have told us that they want to make up for last year’s low-key festive season so we are working hard to make sure that our shelves are stocked with everything they need to help them celebrate.” See Morrisons.jobs
• The Co-Op has 800 roles available nationwide. Find details at jobs.coop.co.uk
• Budget chain ALDI is hiring for 1,500 Xmas store assistants. Pay rates are up to £10.57 nationally and £11.32 inside the M25. Visit aldirecruitment.co.uk

GENERAL RETAIL

RETAIL’S biggest names are on the hunt for thousands of temps for in-store and on the road.

• John Lewis and Waitrose need 7,000 staff, including delivery drivers, store assistants and night shift staff. Search at jlpjobs.com/john-lewis-and-partners/christmas-jobs/
• Boots wants 5,000 festive temps with 4,000 customer advisor jobs and 1,000 warehouse operatives. See boots.jobs for store roles and boots.jobs/warehouse. Donna Hodgins, Head of Recruitment, said: “Christmas roles at Boots are perfect for people who are interested in exploring roles in the retail industry and gain valuable work experience at the same time.”
• Card Factory has 1,200 jobs for sales assistants and store managers. Find your new position at cfjobs.co.uk
• Robert Dyas is recruiting for 80 roles including in-store and warehouse positions. Find details at robertdyascareers.co.uk/current-vacancies/
• Toy giant Smyths needs 1,000 sales assistants nationwide to help out Santa. Visit smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/careers
• Need a career kickstart? TK Maxx and Homesense have 2,000 Kickstart places for people aged 16-24 on Universal Credit. Apply via your local Work Coach.

Now is time to apply

AS there are already thousands of Xmas vacancies on offer, JobCentre Plus work coach Simon Lavall has these tips . . .

1. Look now – the earlier you start, the more chance you have of finding a role that is right for you. Think about what you want to do in the future and target the jobs that fit.
2. Research the company you apply to – whether it’s a small start-up or a big multinational, the more you know about it, the more comfortable you will be at interview.
3. Tailor your CV to every role – tweak how you present your skills and experience to reflect what the job needs.
4. Check social media – Follow firms you are interested in applying for as they may post vacancies. Your local Jobcentre Plus will also tweet about local opportunities.
5. Use the Job Help website – it’s a wealth of free advice on how to build your CV and shine.