Supermarkets lead the way in Christmas vacancies with 60,000 seasonal roles available

WITH Christmas ten weeks away, firms are gearing up to hire hundreds of thousands of temporary staff for the festive period.

While the cost-of-living crisis means there are more people looking to take on additional seasonal work to put Christmas cash in their pockets, the number of ­festive jobs has jumped by 26 per cent on last year.

And pay packets are averaging three per cent higher, according to jobs board Adzuna.

Andrew Hunter, from Adzuna, said: “For workers looking to boost their coffers ahead of Christmas, the seasonal hiring spree offers an opportunity to get some extra cash in the bank while spreading the festive joy.”

If you are unemployed, ­festive jobs also are an effective way to get back into the jobs market.

Employment minister Guy Opperman explained: “The festive season is a fantastic opportunity for jobseekers to take on one of the many available seasonal vacancies and develop their skills, ready to kick-start their job search in 2024.”

Over the next two weeks, Sunemployment will be bringing you the brightest and best Xmas opportunities.

Today we have more than 60,000 jobs up for grabs.

Supermarkets are among the biggest seasonal employers and already have more than 40,000 jobs on offer.

Tesco is looking for 30,000 of those, having launched a huge recruitment drive.

The majority of vacancies are in its Superstores and Extra stores for either early morning, day or evening shifts, with potential permanent positions available after Christmas.

James Goodman, Tesco people director, said: “Our festive roles are a fantastic way to become part of the team, with positions from checkouts to picking orders for home delivery or replenishing the store.”

‘I can plan work around family commitments’

Mum Kenzy Talbot joined as a festive temp in the fresh food sale section of her local store last November, and went on to join the company permanently.

Kenzy, 28, from Mablethorpe, Lincs, said: “Tesco has been amazing with their flexibility and this has meant that I have been able to fit my working hours around my family commitments.

“I was delighted to become a permanent member of the team in January 2023.

“I have progressed and learnt about other areas of the store.”

• Apply at tesco-careers.com and see panel, left, for other supermarket seasonal spots.

It’s all fun and games

LOOKING for some Christmas cheer? Then take a fun-filled temp role in a toy shop.

Smyths Toys is taking on 1,000 sales assistants at stores across the country.

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A spokesman said: “We are looking for colleagues who have great communication skills and are able to work well as part of a team, with an ambition to deliver high standards at all times.

“We pride ourselves in developing employees’ skills and knowledge and there are great career progression opportunities for those who want them.”

See smythstoys.com.

The Entertainer needs 800 Seasonal Sales Assistants to work on shop floors in the day plus Night Stock Assistants to replenish shelves overnight.

Karen Emery, Area Manager at The Entertainer, joined the business as a Christmas temp in 2000.

She said: “Retail can be a challenging career but when doing it within The Entertainer environment it feels rewarding, a place where you make a difference to a child and their family – and those types of memories really do last a lifetime.

“Why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that?”

You can apply now at careers.thetoyshop.com.

Elf help for busy Santa’s

HOW do you find the ultimate Christmas job?

By working as one of Santa’s little helpers.

There are hundreds of jobs available as elves at grottos and events across the nation.

To take on a role as a mischievous elf, you’ll need to be a team player and have excellent communication skills plus the ability to build rapport with both children and adults.

Some venues may also require you to be DBS checked.

Pay ranges from £7.50 to £13 an hour with flexible shifts.

Fancy a role as the main man?

There are dozens of Father Christmas positions hiring in department stores, shopping centre grottos and attractions paying between £15 to £32 an hour.

Prestige Santa Jobs currently hiring include Chessington World of Adventures, Sea Life in Birmingham and the upmarket Fenwick chain of department stores.

Search for Christmas jobs at uk.indeed.com.

Unwrap career chance

THE key to landing a Christmas job is “elf” confidence.

With tens of thousands of jobs available between now and December, there’s no better time to get back to work.

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Here, Department for Work and Pensions work coach Amy Jones, from Sheffield, shares her five top tips.

Amy said: “Whether you’re wrapping gifts, assisting shoppers, or spreading holiday cheer, a seasonal job can be a rewarding stepping stone towards your long-term career goals.”

• Research: Festive jobs are famously flexible. Look at what the employer offers in terms of hours, location and the skills needed to find the best roles for you.

• Utilise support: When you’ve been out of work, getting a new job can be stressful. Speak to your local Jobcentre for support.

• Unwrap a new CV: It is the key to unlocking new opportunities. Make sure your CV is up-to-date and showcases your skills. Use the Job Help site jobhelp. campaign.gov.uk to build it for free.

• Tailor your application: Santa doesn’t deliver the same gift to everyone so don’t send the same CV for every job. Make sure your CV and cover letter are unique. Include why you are applying, how you match the job description and why you want to work for this employer.

Can the role last beyond Xmas?

Use your Christmas job as a way in to a firm you would like to work for.