Boots has launched a recruitment drive for around 6,000 festive roles across the UK, covering positions in its stores, warehouses, and customer support centre. The health and beauty retailer and pharmacy chain announced the vacancies on Wednesday, October 8, welcoming candidates at all career stages, including first-time job seekers and younger workers, who typically make up about half of its seasonal hires.
Boots said it is also bringing in new staff 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.
Available roles at Boots
The roles include Customer Advisors and Operations Assistants, Warehouse Operatives and Picker Packers who manage orders for shipment, and positions in the Boots Customer Support Centre, supporting customers with their queries.
Donna Hodgins, director of talent acquisition at Boots, said: "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."
She added: "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. These roles provide hands-on experience in customer service, operations and teamwork, and for many people can be the first step on a longer-term career journey with Boots."
Other retailers recruiting for Christmas
Boots is among a wide range of major high street names looking to boost their workforce in the coming weeks. Sainsbury's and Argos, owned by J Sainsbury's PLC, announced a nationwide Christmas recruitment drive with 17,500 roles available across the UK. The seasonal staff will support teams across Sainsbury's supermarkets, convenience stores, warehouses, Argos stores, and online fulfilment operations. The roles are on fixed-term contracts ranging from four to 12 weeks.
Tracey Clements, chief retail, logistics and supply chain officer at Sainsbury's, said: "Christmas is always a special time for our customers and colleagues, and our seasonal team members help make it happen. We look forward to welcoming thousands of new colleagues who will help us deliver great-tasting festive food, brilliant service and fantastic value across our stores, fulfilment centres and delivery operations."
John Lewis, Waitrose, Next, Tesco, and M&S
The John Lewis Partnership, which owns John Lewis department stores and Waitrose, announced on September 7 that it would recruit more than 10,400 seasonal roles, with 6,000 within Waitrose's 320 branches, 2,600 across John Lewis' 36 shops, and 1,800 supporting distribution centres and supply chain. Rates for seasonal roles start at £13.00 or £14.55 in London, rising to £13.25 and £14.80 after 30 days.
Helen Webb, chief people officer for the John Lewis Partnership, said: "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."
Next is currently advertising for support over Christmas on its website, offering Autumn/Winter vacancies for all experience levels and availabilities. Tesco is also inviting applications, with roles opening through to October, and applicants can set up a job alert using the keyword "festive colleague".
Marks & Spencer announced on Thursday (October 8) that it will recruit 11,000 people to support store teams over the festive period, with applications open and the first new workers joining from October 25. The roles will pay £13.41 per hour. Thinus Keeve, Retail Director at M&S, said: "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."
