Marks & Spencer has opened applications for more than 1,000 seasonal jobs across its Scottish stores for the Christmas period, with successful applicants earning £13.41 per hour and the possibility of a long-term role in the future.
The first wave of new recruits is set to start from October 25. The retailer said its seasonal colleagues "play a vital role" in helping store colleagues manage demand during the busy festive season, when millions of customers visit stores.
Locations and vacancies across Scotland
Fort Kinnaird and Straiton in Edinburgh are among the primary locations included in the recruitment drive, with 87 roles available. There are 43 vacancies in Elgin and Inverness, with a further 24 across Berwick and Galashiels.
For applicants based in Glasgow, 436 roles are available, 70 of which are at the retailer's outlet at Braehead, as reported by the Scottish Sun.
David Bates, M&S Regional Manager, said: "Our brilliant store colleagues are at the heart of M&S and play such an important role in delivering the magic of Christmas for customers and communities across Scotland. We're delighted to be creating more than 1,000 opportunities across our Scottish stores this year and welcoming new colleagues into our teams."
Part of a nationwide recruitment drive
The Scottish vacancies are part of a larger recruitment drive that has seen 11,000 seasonal roles go available at M&S stores nationwide. Successful applicants will receive training, tools and the support needed to get going.
According to M&S, the seasonal positions are "fast-moving" and "hands-on", designed to help support the retailer during "one of the biggest moments of the year."
To help manage demand and ensure the highest customer service during the festivities, M&S advises on its website that it expects all applicants to be available to work full time during the final two weeks in the build-up to Christmas. It is also expected that they will be working on three key dates - the 22nd, 23rd and 24th, which the retailer describes as "some of the most important days in our calendar."
Application process and wider context
The application process can take up to 45 minutes to complete, and applicants should have personal details to hand, including a National Insurance number.
Speaking on the wider recruitment drive, 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. 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."
The announcement comes alongside a sweep of recruitment drives for Christmas across the high street this year, with the Daily Record covering the full list of retailers where applications are now available. Anyone keen to apply for a role can find more information on the M&S Christmas careers page.
