Retailers are preparing for the busy festive trading period, with tens of thousands of temporary roles opening across stores, warehouses, distribution centres and customer support operations.
From first-time jobseekers looking to gain experience to candidates seeking a route into a longer-term retail career, this round-up highlights some of the biggest peak hiring drives announced so far.
Boots
Health and beauty giant Boots is recruiting around 6,000 seasonal workers across its stores, warehouses and customer support operations as it gears up for the Christmas trading period.
It said the roles will be available nationwide across its 1,800 stores, distribution network and customer support centre.
Vacancies include customer advisers and operations assistants in stores, warehouse operatives and picker packers, as well as customer service roles supporting shoppers during the festive rush.
Boots said the jobs are open to candidates at all stages of their careers, including first-time jobseekers and younger workers, who typically account for around half of its seasonal hires.
It is also recruiting to support the growing number of ways customers shop during Christmas, including boots.com, Click & Collect and on-demand delivery through Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo.
Boots director of talent acquisition Donna Hodgins commented: “For many people, the festive season can be the perfect opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience, build confidence and develop skills that will support them throughout their careers.
“Colleagues who join us over this period become an integral part of our team during one of the most exciting times of the year for retail.”
John Lewis
The John Lewis Partnership is to set to recruit more than 10,400 seasonal roles across the UK, stressing that these roles are not just for Christmas.
Open to people of all ages, there will be 6,000 listings across Waitrose’s 320 branches, and 2,600 roles available in John Lewis’ 36 shops. A further 1,800 positions will be in the retailer’s distribution centres and supply chain.
John Lewis reported that these roles are most popular with young candidates, as around three quarters of the seasonal joiners were under 25 last year.
“For many, they are a catalyst for building confidence and kickstarting a long-term career,” said Helen Webb, chief people officer at John Lewis Partnership.
“By offering thousands of roles to under-25s and guaranteeing interviews for care-experienced young people, we are actively helping to break down barriers to employment and investing in the future of our communities.
“These roles appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds, and we’re excited to welcome great candidates across the board. At the same time, we know retail is a vital stepping stone for young people entering the workforce. With youth unemployment remaining a significant challenge, we recognise the role we play in providing meaningful opportunities to learn and grow.”
M&S
M&S’ seasonal recruitment drive will see it hire 11,000 new colleagues, to support store teams over the busy festive period.
The new staff members will support the teams during the busiest period of the year, which aims to help the supermarket deliver quality service for customers.
The high street retailer’s applications are now open, with the first colleagues set to join from 25 October onwards.
These roles begin with an hourly wage of £13.41, with successful applicants set to receive training, tools and support needed to quicken all operations.
The Christmas period is one of the most major moments of the year, with millions of customers stocking up on essentials at the retailer.
Thinus Keeve, retail director at M&S, stated: “Our brilliant store colleagues play such an important part in delivering the magic of M&S at Christmas, and we’re looking forward to welcoming 11,000 new colleagues to teams this year.
“Christmas is busy, fast-moving and a really exciting time to join M&S.
“We’ll give new colleagues the training, tools and support they need to get up to speed quickly. What matters most is bringing energy, curiosity and a real commitment to doing the right thing for our customers and working as part of the team.”
Tesco
The UK’s largest supermarket has confirmed its plan to recruit more than 28,000 temporary workers across the UK as it gears up for what it expects to be a busy festive trading period.
The company is looking to fill roles across its Superstores and Extra stores, with recruits supporting customers on the shop floor, replenishing shelves and picking orders for home delivery.
Tesco confirmed that a smaller number of temporary positions are also available at its distribution centres.
The retailer is offering flexible shifts throughout the day, including early mornings and evenings, with no previous retail experience required.
Tesco said seasonal employees could also have the opportunity to secure permanent positions after Christmas, subject to vacancies.
Tesco group people services director Ela Golab said: “We’re excited to be recruiting festive colleagues to help make it a season to remember for our customers.
“We are looking for people who can bring warmth, enthusiasm and a helpful service to every shopping trip.
“We’re also keen to hear from applicants who may want to stay with us after Christmas and begin building a career at Tesco.
The Perfume Shop
The Perfume Shop is set to hire 800 Christmas sales assistants, to work across its busy peak period.
Temporary vacancies have already opened in selected locations, with hundreds more set to go live this month and in early October.
“Our Christmas perfume people become an important part of our store teams at the busiest and most exciting time of the year,” notes Michelle Fellows, people, sustainability and development director at The Perfume Shop.
“With around 800 opportunities becoming available across the UK and Ireland, we’re looking forward to welcoming lots of new faces into the business. A seasonal role can be a great way to experience the workplace for the first time and learn what it’s like to be part of a busy team.”
“No day is ever the same, and festive colleagues will be able to feel the impact they make on every shift, as they send customers home with a smile. What’s more, no experience is necessary – just the right attitude.”
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