Fashion and homeware retailer Matalan is to create 5,000 Christmas jobs across its store network, it has been announced today.

Hired to help support customer service and improve the overall shopper experience, the extra employees are to be recruited across each of the retailer‘s 212 stores.

While the positions are initially only temporary, staff will be offered the opportunity to become permanent wherever possible, the retailer said.

Interested parties can collect an application form from their local store or go online and Matalan Retail Director Mie Jeans welcomed the initiative.

He said: “We‘re pleased to be announcing the creation of so many job opportunities throughout the country in our local communities during the Christmas period.

“Christmas and New Year is an extremely important time for Matalan which is why we are bringing in additional support to ensure we deliver on our commitment to provide the best possible service and experience for our customers.

“We‘re looking for enthusiastic colleagues who love to work in a fast paced busy environment and are able to provide that essential extra help to our customers when they need it most.

“We are looking forward to welcoming new colleagues to help Matalan continue to grow.”