Bag a Christmas temp job with over 26,000 roles on offer – from retail to warehousing
CHRISTMAS is only six weeks away but there are still thousands of temp jobs to be filled if the festivities are to go ahead as normal. Latest statistics show more than 26,000 seasonal jobs remain on offer nationwide — double the number from this time last year. The sectors most in need are retail, logistics […]
CHRISTMAS is only six weeks away but there are still thousands of temp jobs to be filled if the festivities are to go ahead as normal.
Latest statistics show more than 26,000 seasonal jobs remain on offer nationwide — double the number from this time last year.
The sectors most in need are retail, logistics and warehousing.
Ismail Asmal is deliveries controller for Christmas tree specialist pinesandneedles.com. He took the London-based job 20 years ago.
Ismail, 50, said: “If you are thinking of applying for a festive job, do it. It’s a great way to meet people, get fit and earn some extra cash before Christmas.
“The bustle and the people before Christmas are brilliant.
“No two days are the same. There are many people working together to make the magic happen and it’s wonderful to see it come together. I’ve made friends I’ve now known for years.” Find out more at pinesandneedles.com/pages/recruitment.
Among the firms still hiring for Christmas is TESCO, with 870 open roles. Apply at tesco-careers.com/festive.
Delivery firm HERMES has 740 vacancies at hermesworld.com/en/careers, while SAINSBURY’S has 629 left to fill. Find those at sainsburys.jobs/christmas.
CARD FACTORY is searching for 415 festive workers on its site jobsearch.cfjobs.co.uk, while ROYAL MAIL needs 200 people — see jobs.royalmailgroup.com/go/Christmas-Recruitment/4479401.
Andrew Hunter, co-founder of job site Adzuna, which compiled the vacancy figures, said: “Christmas 2021 promises to be a season of opportunity for jobseekers, with a huge array of temporary roles still open and with enticing financial rewards on offer.
“For students, those who have recently come off furlough or those simply looking for a stop-gap job before a career change, these openings will help them relieve some of the financial pressures that can come with the festive season.”
Out of the ordinary
IF you fancy a job with a difference, there are hundreds of unusual festive roles on offer this week.
They include ice rink supervisors, paying up to £15 per hour.
Electrical mates can also earn up to £15 an hour putting up festive displays nationwide, while Christmas tree sellers can earn an average of £11 per hour.
The most lucrative winter position is for snow clearance specialists at Heathrow Airport, paying £435 a day.
There are also positions for turkey pluckers and gift wrappers.
How to rise to the top
TAKING a festive job can be a way to unwrap a whole new career and fast-track your way to the top.
Matt Casey, author of The Management Delusion: What If We’re Doing It All Wrong, left school at 14 but rose to be successful.
He explains the best way to get from the bottom to the top in your festive job . . .
- Smaller companies let you grow faster. Big firms might offer more opportunities but there will also be far more competition for them. In smaller companies there is a greater chance of being allowed to step up.
- Make changes – good or bad. Even if you enjoy your job, if you’re not moving forward, leave. And if the next job is worse, leave again. Don’t take the easy path that leads nowhere.
- Don’t mind that it hurts. Impostor syndrome can make us reluctant to take opportunities. Don’t wait until you feel comfortable. Just embrace the fear.
- Remember your boss is human. Everyone makes mistakes. If you make your boss feel bad about it when they do, they will quickly stop engaging with you. Cut your boss some slack and they will give you more chances.
- Never ask for a pay rise. The trick to getting paid more isn’t asking for a rise when you deserve it, it’s asking how to get on in the future. Try saying this to your manager: “I’d like to earn X by next year, can you help me achieve that?”
Temps bag bonus
CASH in this Christmas, with dozens of big firms offering bonuses to tempt seasonal workers.
AMAZON has bonuses of up to £2,000 for warehouse workers, depending on the location. Delivery firm DPD is handing out a £1,000 bonus for warehouse night sorters.
And online grocer OCADO, appliance giant AO and HAND PICKED HOTELS are all offering £500 seasonal bonuses.
Jobspot
PLANET ICE has over 30 jobs including rink assistants, catering staff and receptionists. See planet-ice.co.uk/jobs/.
GREAT GROTTOS has dozens of jobs for Santas and elves at attractions around the UK. Visit greatgrottos.co.uk/roles-at-great-grottos.